News Releases

Hilton Honors Introduces Faster Path to Elite Status and Reveals New Premium Tier – Diamond Reserve

MCLEAN, Va. - Committed to rewarding loyalty at every stage of the travel journey, today Hilton (NYSE: HLT) announced exciting changes to its award-winning Hilton Honors loyalty program. Debuting this January, Hilton will introduce its most elite tier yet – Diamond Reserve – with new elevated benefits, including a Confirmable Upgrade Reward that can be instantly redeemed at the time of booking, guaranteed 4 p.m. late checkout, and exclusive customer service support.

What’s more, Hilton Honors Gold status will become the most valuable mid-tier status, with members still enjoying all the current benefits of Gold status, including space-available room upgrades and on-property Food & Beverage credits, while achieving this status even faster. Diamond status will also become more quickly attainable while keeping benefits that members appreciate the most.

“Members have told us they are looking for more personal recognition and meaningful rewards throughout their travel journey. Today we are proud to usher in the next chapter for Hilton Honors by delivering on what matters most to our members: making loyalty both more accessible and more rewarding, in more places around the world,” said Chris Nassetta, president and chief executive officer, Hilton. “At a time when many loyalty programs feel increasingly interchangeable, we’re strengthening Hilton Honors for every member – from our superior upgrade benefits for our elite members to more ways to dream, stay, earn and redeem Points across our growing portfolio of more than 9,000 hotels.”

In 2026, earning elite status with Hilton will be even more achievable, opening the door for more travelers to enjoy the recognition, perks and flexibility that make Hilton Honors and the Hilton Honors app a preferred travel companion. Among the highlights:

Members will earn Gold status with only 25 nights per year – 15 nights less than the current 40-night requirement.
With Gold status, members will continue to enjoy the same benefits, like early confirmation of space-available room upgrades, a Daily Food & Beverage Credit or continental breakfast (varies by brand and region) and 80 percent more Points.
Members will earn Diamond status faster as well, needing only 50 nights instead of the current 60 nights. Diamond members will continue to enjoy the same benefits, including early confirmation of space-available room upgrades, a Daily Food & Beverage Credit or continental breakfast (varies by brand and region), executive lounge access, 48-hour room guarantee and 100 percent more Points.
With these changes, Hilton has reduced the requirements whether through nights, stays or eligible spend to reach Gold and Diamond tiers, beginning next year.

Unlocking The Best of Hilton Honors

As the new pinnacle of Hilton Honors tiers, Diamond Reserve is an entirely new level of recognition designed for Hilton’s most loyal travelers. Achieved by those who qualify with 80 nights AND $18,000 in USD annual Eligible Spend, this all-new premium tier represents Hilton’s most exclusive expression of loyalty yet.

“Loyalty is not something we take lightly. We’ve spent years listening to our members. Diamond Reserve was created to recognize and reward those who entrust their travel to Hilton,” said Mark Weinstein, chief marketing officer and head of luxury brands, Hilton. “We know that enhancing the stay experience is the foundational building block to driving loyalty, which is why we have thoughtfully designed a suite of ultra-premium benefits intended to make staying with Hilton even better.”

Among the Diamond Reserve tier’s defining benefits is the Confirmable Upgrade Reward:

The Confirmable Upgrade Reward allows eligible members to lock in premium room upgrades, including up to a one-bedroom suite for stays of up to seven nights, at the time of booking – including through the Hilton Honors app.
Members will receive their first Confirmable Upgrade Reward when they achieve Diamond Reserve status and the option to earn a second reward at the 120-night milestone or 30,000 Points.
Confirmable Upgrade Rewards can be used on both eligible paid and reward stays at select global Hilton properties offering complimentary pre-arrival upgrades. This includes hotels across the company’s growing luxury portfolio, featuring brands like Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts, Conrad Hotels & Resorts, LXR Hotels & Resorts and Signia by Hilton.

Additional bespoke benefits reflect the seamless flexibility and personalization that Hilton’s most engaged travelers desire:

Diamond Reserve status guarantees 4 p.m. late checkout on every eligible stay, giving members more time to relax or prepare for their onward journey.
Diamond Reserve members will receive unparalleled service through 24/7 exclusive customer service support with specially trained team members dedicated to delivering personalized assistance and priority care.
In addition to executive lounges, Diamond Reserve members will enjoy complimentary access to Hilton’s Premium Clubs, a growing collection of exclusive, on-property clubs, most commonly found at Hilton’s luxury, lifestyle or full-service hotels, that include elevated food and beverage offerings, quiet workspaces and other coveted features.
Diamond Reserve members will receive the highest priority for space-available upgrades, confirmed as early as three days before check-in.
Members who achieve Diamond Reserve will also see their loyalty rewarded faster and more generously than ever before with a 120% Points bonus on every stay.

Favored, Flexible Benefits, Remain

At its core, Hilton Honors remains committed to giving travelers more choice in how and when they redeem their Points. Members will continue to benefit from no blackout dates and no resort fees on reward stays booked with all Points. They can also combine Hilton Honors Points and money to get them closer to their next stay, adding even more flexibility to travel planning. One of the program’s most valued benefits, the Fifth Night Free perk, continues to reward members who book standard room rewards entirely with Points, providing meaningful savings and longer-lasting experiences.

More Ways to Dream, Earn and Redeem at Expanding Luxury & Lifestyle Portfolio

Members who travel with Hilton Honors now have more ways to dream and redeem with their Points, with access to Hilton’s growing world-class portfolio of brands, including more than 1,000 luxury and lifestyle properties. This includes the landmark opening of Waldorf Astoria New York, a property that represents both Hilton’s heritage and its continued evolution, as well as more than 450 boutique hotels from the exclusive partnership with Small Luxury Hotels of the World.

Learn more about Hilton Honors at stories.hilton.com/hiltonhonors or visit www.hiltonhonors.com to enroll in the program today.

GTHA Inducts Klaus Tenter & Nicholas Vesely into 2025 Hall of Fame

TORONTO, ON (November 17, 2025) – This past Friday, the Greater Toronto Hotel Association (GTHA) proudly announced the 2025 inductees into the GTHA Hall of Fame: Klaus Tenter (1943–2024) and Nicholas “Nick” Vesely (1953–2024), two exemplary hoteliers who devoted their lives to the advancement of Canada’s hotel industry. The awards were accepted posthumously by their respective families and friends.

Born in Poland and raised in Germany, Klaus Tenter came to Canada for Expo 67—and stayed to build one of the country’s most distinguished hotel careers. A longtime Four Seasons executive, he served as General Manager in Calgary, Newport Beach, and Toronto, where he became affectionately known as “the Mayor of Yorkville.” Following his retirement, he founded G7 Hospitality Group and helped launch Toronto’s acclaimed Hazelton Hotel. Renowned for his integrity, empathy, and leadership, Klaus embodied the very best of the hotel profession.

Nick Vesely began his career as a cook at the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge before finding his true calling in hotel management. A fixture of Toronto’s hospitality community for nearly five decades, he managed several major Toronto properties with warmth, humour, and professionalism, earning recognition as Hotelier of the Year and serving on both local and international industry boards. Admired for his kindness and mentorship, Nick left an enduring mark on colleagues and the broader hospitality community alike.

“Klaus and Nick each represented the heart and spirit of our industry,” said Sara Anghel, President & CEO of the GTHA. “They led with compassion, professionalism, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. Their legacy will continue to inspire current and future generations of hoteliers across the Greater Toronto region and beyond.”

GTHA Celebrates 12th Annual Spirit Awards Gala

TORONTO, ON (November 14, 2025) – The Greater Toronto Hotel Association (GTHA) hosted the 12th annual Spirit Awards gala on Friday at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre with over 800 attendees. The Spirit Awards celebrate the hard work and excellence of frontline workers who power the Greater Toronto area’s hotel and hospitality sectors. Staff were honoured across 19 categories ranging from administration and security to culinary and housekeeping. Returning Master of Ceremonies Anthony Farnell of Global News presided over an enthusiastic crowd of attendees made up of hotel employees from across the region.

“This is now my third year attending the Spirit Awards as president and CEO of the Association, and the momentum and excitement for celebrating hotel staff keeps building each year,” remarked Sara Anghel. “I am most impressed by the professionalism, care, and service quality embodied by these award recipients – they help make our region’s tourism industry second to none!”.

Ashok Baghel, Chair of the Spirit Awards Committee and General Manager at the Hyatt Regency Toronto, echoed this sentiment. “Every general manager knows that employees are the lifeblood of the hotel,” he said. “This happy occasion gives us a chance to celebrate all hotel staff and honour a few remarkable individuals who represent the best in hospitality.”

The 2025 Spirit Award Winners

Accounting Ambassador of the Year: Natalia Kuzyk – Delta Hotels by Marriott Toronto Airport & Conference Centre – sponsored by National Payments
Administration Ambassador of the Year: Jiwon Yoon – Delta Hotels by Marriott Toronto – sponsored by Hicks Morley
Banquet Ambassador of the Year: Frank Richardson – Hilton Mississauga Meadowvale – sponsored by Gordon Food Service
Bell Person of the Year: Ambrocio Ramiro – The Yorkville Royal Sonesta – sponsored by Hunter Amenities
Concierge of the Year: Cameron Carr – Omni King Edward Hotel – sponsored by Insuranceland Inc.
Culinary Ambassador of the Year: Dario Ferreyra – Radisson Blu Toronto Downtown – sponsored by Orkin Canada
Engineering Ambassador of the Year: Darren Harold – Hilton Toronto Airport Hotel & Suites – sponsored by Hotel Engineering–Facility Managers Association of Toronto
Food & Beverage Outlets Ambassador of the Year: sponsored by Smart Serve
- Cris Vila – Hilton Toronto/Markham Suites Conference Centre & Spa
- Karmen Stefanec – Park Hyatt Toronto
Guest Services Ambassador of the Year: Josefina Palomo-Lee – Courtyard by Marriott Toronto Downtown – sponsored by Kostuch Media Ltd.
Housekeeping Room Attendant of the Year: sponsored by Serta Simmons Bedding
- Cynthia Xu – Hilton Toronto
- Margarita Roca – Hotel Le Germain Maple Leaf Square
Housekeeping Support Services Ambassador of the Year: sponsored by Ecolab
- Raymundo Toledo – Chelsea Hotel, Toronto
- Alganesh Mekkonen – Toronto Marriott City Centre
Laundry Ambassador of the Year: Colin Caseley – InterContinental Toronto Centre – sponsored by Victory Laundry & Linen Rental
Lifetime Achievement Award: Norival Da Rosa – Sheraton Centre Toronto Hotel – sponsored by SelectPath
Reservations Ambassador of the Year: Carina Cunanan – Fairmont Royal York – sponsored by Meteor Telecommunications
Rising Star Award: Fady Saleh – Four Points & Element Toronto Airport – sponsored by First Onsite
Security Ambassador of the Year: Johnson Jonathan – DoubleTree by Hilton Toronto Downtown – sponsored by Sheer Hospitality Solutions
Steward of the Year: Ricardo Llamas – Delta Hotels by Marriott Toronto Mississauga – sponsored by Mediclean
Switchboard Operator of the Year: Cinzia Celada – The Westin Harbour Castle, Toronto – sponsored by Forest Paving
Valet/Door Person/Shuttle Driver: Brendon DiBenedetto – The Hazelton Hotel – sponsored by Eminent Valet

A New Era of Coastal Grandeur: The Algonquin Resort Embarks on Landmark Transformation

ST. ANDREWS BY-THE-SEA, NB, Nov. 13, 2025 /PRNewswire/ - Canada's most storied coastal resort has entered a bold new chapter. InnVest Hotels proudly announces a multi-million dollar reimagination of The Algonquin Resort St. Andrews by-the-Sea, Autograph Collection, ushering in a new era that blends historic East Coast charm with modern sophistication. This transformation marks a once-in-a-generation investment to the legacy of one of New Brunswick's most treasured landmarks. As part of this transformation, the resort is redefining itself as a premier year-round destination, with enhanced experiences and the same exceptional service guests have come to expect.

At the helm is newly appointed General Manager Cole Sheridan who brings over 15 years of hospitality leadership, having held key positions at renowned properties across Canada. Known for his guest-centric approach and dedication to team culture, Sheridan is passionate about creating transformative travel experiences that honour local heritage while embracing innovation. His appointment marks an exciting new era for The Algonquin Resort, as it reinvents itself as the premier East Coast destination year-round.

"As stewards of this extraordinary property, we are honoured to lead The Algonquin Resort into its next chapter while preserving the spirit that has defined it for generations," says Sheridan. "This transformation is a celebration of place, history, and a coastal lifestyle that's both timeless and refined."

History with a New Heartbeat

Perched on the shores of Passamaquoddy Bay in the picturesque town of St. Andrews by-the-Sea, the historic resort has welcomed guests since 1889. Formerly a Canadian Pacific Railway resort, it quickly became a seaside retreat that was famed for its saltwater baths and fresh Bay of Fundy air. The resort's iconic Tudor-style architecture, storied royal and presidential visits and rich heritage, including hosting virtually every prime minister since Confederation, have secured its place among Canada's most treasured grand hotels. Spanning over 220 acres, the beloved resort features an extraordinary 72-par, award-winning seaside golf course recently ranked number 13 in Canada by SCOREgolf 2025, as well as over 20,000 sq. ft. of flexible meeting space for large groups, four food & beverage outlets, a full-service spa, indoor and outdoor pool, and fitness centre.

Today, the resort enters a bold new era. Set for completion in mid-2027, upcoming enhancements will include the revitalization of its 233 guestrooms, renewed public spaces including the lobby and dining venues, and the debut of Usva by-the-Sea, a highly anticipated Nordic thermal spa. Designed to elevate the resort's year-round appeal, the spa will offer an immersive wellness experience, positioning the resort as a premier wellness destination on Canada's East Coast.

"This revitalization is not just about refreshing a historic property, it's about redefining the guest experience year round," says Lydia Chen, President & CEO of InnVest Hotels. "We're committed to honouring The Algonquin Resort's storied past while creating a modern destination that invites guests to relax, recharge, and return 365 days a year."

Introducing Usva by-the-Sea

In collaboration with The Algonquin Resort, Usva Spa is expanding its brand with the launch of Usva by-the-Sea, opening Spring 2026. This new Nordic spa overlooks the legendary healing waters of Passamaquoddy Bay, offering guests an immersive wellness journey inspired by Scandinavian thermal traditions. Designed to promote relaxation, rejuvenation, and holistic well-being, the spa will feature signature thermal experiences, outdoor warm and cold plunge pools, Finnish sauna, steam sauna, and serene relaxation lounges. Founder Geneviève Nolet emphasizes, "We're excited to bring the Usva experience to the charming and historic community of St. Andrews. This project marks an important milestone in our company's growth and a meaningful contribution to the region's tourism development."

"This partnership with Usva brings a world-class spa experience to our guests," says Lydia Chen. "Usva by-the-Sea will complement our resort's legacy and help position The Algonquin Resort as a leading wellness destination."

Redesigning History: A Coastal Legacy Reimagined

Honouring 135 years of heritage, the resort's new interior redesign unveils coastal luxury for a new era. The creative direction of the redesign was led by renowned Canadian design agency mackaywong, whose co-founder Gordon MacKay brought a deeply personal perspective to the project. "I grew up dreaming of staying in this castle by the sea," says MacKay. "It was incredibly important to us that we respect the cultural and natural history of The Algonquin Resort while crafting something that feels fresh, serene, and undeniably coastal." Inspired by the property's maritime heritage and rich local stories, the design propels the resort into its next era by blending timeless tradition with modern sophistication.

These guestrooms mark the most significant evolution in the property's storied history. Curated as calm, residential-style retreats, they echo the charm of a refined coastal beach estate. Each room features floors reminiscent of original heritage oakwood, lending warmth and character, complemented by soft blue tones woven throughout the design, inspired by the cool, crisp waters of the Passamaquoddy Bay and the expansive coastal skies.

The refreshed design of The Algonquin Resort will blend timeless elegance with a strong sense of place, offering guests a warm and memorable arrival experience. Highlights include elevated public spaces and reimagined dining venues that pay subtle tribute to local heritage, traditions, and community. With a focus on storytelling, craftsmanship, and regional influence, the redesign sets the stage for an exciting new chapter at this iconic resort.

For more information or to book, visit www.algonquinresort.com

Duetto and Cloudbeds Report Reveals Distribution Channel Shifts and Rising Price Sensitivity Impacting Global Hotel Performance

San Francisco — November 13, 2025 — Duetto, the industry’s leading provider of revenue and profit software, and Cloudbeds,the intelligent unified platform powering hotel growth, have released their first-ever Hotel Market Pulse report, providing performance and profitability analysis for hoteliers worldwide, based on the data managed by both companies.

The analysis covers guest booking and hotel performance data from January 1 to July 31, 2025, comparing results to the same period in 2024, focusing on traveler booking behavior and hotel profitability.

Key findings from the Hotel Market Pulse report:

Traveler booking behavior shifts

OTAs hold strong as the leading demand channel: Even so, distribution channels saw significant shifts, with Expedia pulling ahead in room night volume by nearly 12% year over year. Other OTAs, including Trip.com, Hotelbeds, and Despegar, each increased volume by more than 35%. These gains came at the expense of other OTAs, including Booking.com, Agoda, and Vrbo.
Softening pricing power: For many operators, performance lagged expectations as pricing power softened, and demand cooled. The global average daily rate rose modestly on Booking.com and Expedia, but dropped 10% on Vrbo, 5% on Hotelbeds, and 2% on Airbnb. Adjusted for inflation, "real ADR" actually declined for many properties.
Shorter stays: Data showed a consistent downward trend in the Average Length of Stay (ALOS) every month from January to July 2025 compared with 2024, potentially due to tighter budgets and the shift toward shorter, more frequent 'microcations'.

Hotel profitability and performance

TRevPAR growth: Total Revenue per Available Room (TRevPAR) indicated overall performance improvement, with Latin America leading with a 4.6% increase, followed by North America (+3.5%) and Europe (+2.5%). Food and beverage (F&B) remains the clear leader and primary driver of ancillary revenue across all regions.
GOPPAR improvement: Gross Operating Profit Per Available Room (GOPPAR) increased year over year in all regions. North America led with the biggest gain of 2.9%, followed by Latin America (+1.3%) and Europe (+1.2%).
Labor remains the largest expense: Operating costs continue to be pressured by rising labor expenses, which remain the largest expense for hotels. North America saw labor costs increase by 4.6%, reaching 47% of total operating costs, while Europe saw a 3.9% increase, now 60% of total operating costs.

“Understanding where and how demand is shifting is critical for every hotel leader today,” said Rafael Blanes, Chief Growth Officer of Cloudbeds. “At Cloudbeds, we believe data is human — it reflects real traveler intent and behavior. This collaboration with Duetto transforms that data into contextual intelligence, helping hoteliers anticipate change, make smarter decisions, and unlock more profitable growth.”

“By combining Duetto’s data with Cloudbeds’ channel insights, we’re helping hoteliers understand how and why traveler behavior is changing, and how this impacts their bottom line,” added Jason Hofmann, Chief Customer Officer of Duetto.

This inaugural report is part of the strategic partnership's shared mission to empower hoteliers with advanced tools and insightful data for optimizing revenue and operational efficiency. To read all the findings of the report, click here.