This week’s Five-Star Weekly Briefing highlights current trends, investments, and developments in the hotel sector. Swire Hotels unveils its new global brand, Upper House, uniting its award-winning properties in Hong Kong, Chengdu, and Shanghai with new openings in Shenzhen, Xi’an, Tokyo, and Bangkok — plus the debut of Upper House Residences Bangkok in 2030. COMO Hotels and Resorts celebrates the reopening of COMO Metropolitan Bangkok, while Sofitel Noosa transforms into Elysium Noosa Resort, managed by Accor’s MGallery Collection. New developments include Punthill Albury Apartment Hotel and InterContinental Halong Bay Resort, expanding the region’s premium and MICE offerings. Meanwhile, Hilton partners with Sun Group on five new Vietnamese hotels, Taveuni Palms Resort Fiji takes home top luxury awards, and both Hilton and Wyndham Hotels & Resorts launch fresh collection brands targeting new segments. We also unpack industry trends — from the rise of the “bleisure” traveller to Japan’s booming hotel market and Australia’s $1.3-trillion sports tourism opportunity — alongside new leadership moves across Sofitel Sydney Wentworth, TFE Hotels, Mondrian Gold Coast, and The Ritz-Carlton.