This weekly industry briefing highlights key developments in the hotel sector. Several new hotels are opening or undergoing renovations, including the Kar-Rama Hotel Mildura and a revamped Ibis Perth. Luxury accommodation is expanding, with the Waldorf Astoria Sydney set to launch and Merivale acquiring a site in Melbourne for a mixed-use development including a boutique hotel. Hotel chains like Hilton and Hyatt are growing their global footprint, particularly in Southeast Asia and with the Hyatt Centric brand.  Iris Hotels Group is looking to purchase the Reef Hotel Casino. Finally, there have been several executive-level appointments.