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The Ontario Restaurant Hotel & Motel Association (ORHMA) is excited to introduce the ORHMA Employee Benefits Program, a new, exclusive group health insurance program developed specifically for hospitality businesses across Ontario. In partnership with Western Financial Group (Western), this initiative brings tailored, high-value health benefits solutions directly to ORHMA members — designed with their unique business challenges in mind. 

Built for restaurants, hotels, and other hospitality employers of all sizes, the program delivers preferred pricing, flexible coverage options, and a white-glove service model that puts ORHMA members first. From onboarding to claim support, Western has committed dedicated resources and advisors to ensure members receive not just coverage, but personalized attention, hands-on support, and expert guidance every step of the way. Whether navigating plan comparisons or resolving a claim issue, members can expect fast, responsive, and industry-aware service. 

At a time when employee retention and well-being are critical to hospitality operators, we are excited to launch this new Employee Benefits Program with a trusted partner,” said Tony Elenis, President & CEO of ORHMA. “Western Financial Group understands the unique needs of our industry. This tailored solution ensures our members have access to competitive, value-driven benefits that help them attract and support their teams.” 

The program includes annual benefits reviews, easy-to-navigate plan options, claims and administration support, and an online portal for managing benefits in real time. Additionally, ORHMA and Western will collaborate on personalized hospitality outreach along with educational content, including webinars and in-person opportunities to connect directly with members. 

We’re proud to partner with ORHMA to deliver a benefits solution that meets the real needs of hospitality operators,” said Matt Friesen, Senior Vice-President, Central Sales at Western Financial Group. “Our team is committed to providing not just insurance, but a full-service experience, backed by knowledgeable advisors, hospitality-specific expertise, and a deep understanding of what it takes to support this dynamic industry. For ORHMA members, we’re not just a provider, we’re a partner.” 

The ORHMA Employee Benefits Program is now available to all eligible ORHMA members across Ontario. Operators are encouraged to learn more and request a personalized consultation by visiting

 
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NEW YORK 6 October, 2025 — Artificial intelligence is no longer a future trend but a present force reshaping hotel distribution and pricing. That was the central theme of the 4th Hospitality Pricing Innovation (HPI) Series, hosted by in partnership with the Hotel Association of New York City (HANYC) and Keytel.

Held at Park Avenue Plaza in New York City, the roundtable brought together senior executives, distribution experts, and revenue leaders to examine how AI and data management are rewriting the rules of hotel distribution. The event concluded with strong participation and delivered actionable insights that directly affect hotel competitiveness worldwide.

Industry at a Crossroads

Panelists agreed the industry is entering uncharted territory, moving from human-driven to machine-to-machine rate negotiations, where bots will soon handle rates, availability, and conditions. Key takeaways included:

  • Price integrity is non-negotiable: protecting direct channels against rate disparities is more urgent than ever in an AI-driven world.
  • Personalization has limits: hotels should design experiences based on intent and context, not just fixed profiles.
  • Content is strategic: each language not covered by a hotel’s website represents lost demand to OTAs.
  • Efficiency through automation: real-time alerts and automated reporting help revenue managers oversee more properties with fewer errors.
  • Value capture at the entry point: whoever controls the guest’s first touchpoint—Google, Apple, or OpenAI—will capture most of the value.
  • Experiential travel is rising: AI will aggregate demand for micro-experiences, turning them into bookable products.

Executives Weigh In

“AI is no longer future talk—it’s already reshaping hotel distribution. Hoteliers must act now: organize data, strengthen content, and protect direct pricing,” said Jordi Serra, CEO of 123Compare.me.

Vijay Dandapani, President & CEO of HANYC, noted: “We are proud to have played a pivotal role in organizing this first-of-its-kind seminar on the new frontiers of digital distribution. Panelists and attendees alike shared insights that converged into actionable suggestions for the future of distribution.”

Raúl Álvarez, Global VP Digital Strategy, Innovation & eCommerce at Radisson Hotel Group, highlighted the transformative role of AI: “Artificial intelligence is redefining how we connect with our guests and strengthen direct bookings. At Radisson, we see AI not as a distant future but as a 24/7 partner that helps us work smarter, protect price integrity, and deliver value more efficiently. Price integrity builds trust with customers and enhances brand reputation, as travelers who see consistent pricing across platforms gain confidence and are more likely to book directly.”

Keytel added: “It has been an honor to co-organize the HPI Series in New York. The discussions on artificial intelligence were invaluable. While the event offered clear action points, it also showed that AI will bring increased operational costs for hotels. In this new era, experience, knowledge, and trusted partnerships are more vital than ever to help hotels maintain control of their strategy and shape their future.”

The discussions and insights from HPI New York have been compiled into the whitepaper “The New Rules of Hotel Distribution.” This resource provides hoteliers with a roadmap to strengthen their direct channel, protect profitability, and prepare for a market increasingly shaped by algorithms.

The whitepaper, “The New Rules of Hotel Distribution,” compiles the event’s insights and action points. It is available for free download [].

 
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Toronto, ON October 1, 2025 - Manga Hotel Group (“Manga Hotels”) is pleased to announce the acquisition of the iconic Cambridge Suites Hotel Toronto, a 231-suite landmark property in Downtown Toronto, Ontario.

Located at the intersection of Yonge and Richmond Streets, the Cambridge Suites Hotel is an upper upscale hotel in the heart of downtown Toronto’s financial district, just minutes from the Eaton Centre, CN Tower, the Hockey Hall of Fame, Ed Mirvish Theatre and St. Lawrence Market. The hotel is also connected to the PATH – a 30-kilometre underground pedestrian walkway of shops, services and businesses that runs through the city’s downtown core.

Following the opening of TOOR Hotel Toronto earlier this year, this acquisition marks the second Downtown Toronto property for Manga Hotels, which owns and operates 34 properties across Canada and in the US. With four additional properties currently under development in Downtown Toronto, including a 280-room Hyatt House under construction at Spadina and Queen, Manga Hotels is further solidifying its presence in the Toronto market.

“This acquisition reinforces our commitment to growing in Toronto’s core and allows us to continue offering guests more choice, comfort, and convenience in one of the country’s most dynamic destinations,” says Sukhdev Toor, President and CEO of Manga Hotel Group.

The 23-storey property is an all-suite hotel featuring 3 elevated suite types – Deluxe Suites, Executive Suites and 2-story Penthouse Suites, each offering upgraded in-suite amenities including a wet bar, refrigerator, microwave, coffee maker, flat screen TVs, work desks and ergonomic chairs. Guests also enjoy access to a rooftop fitness centre, 3,000 square feet of flexible boardroom and meeting spaces, and convenient underground parking. The property also features 3,200 square feet of restaurant space.

 
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In the news release, Looking Ahead: Four Seasons Celebrates New Openings, Renovations, and Journeys by Sea and Sky, issued 01-Oct-2025 by Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts over PR Newswire, we are advised by the company that the "Beachfront Villa Reborn" section has been updated. The complete, corrected release follows:

TORONTO, Oct. 1, 2025 /CNW/ -- sets the stage for 2026 with exceptional new openings, inspired transformations and curated journeys by sea and sky. From Cartagena to Hanoi, Gstaad to Madinah, each destination invites discovery, carrying forward the company's heritage of service excellence and genuine care at every guest touchpoint. Seamless multi-destination adventures also await as guests set sail aboard the inaugural Four Seasons Yacht or take flight on the celebrated Four Seasons Private Jet Experience.

Anticipated New Openings in Late 2025/2026 

Four Seasons will introduce a world-class ensemble of hotels and resorts with fresh interpretations of storied locales:

  • A Floridian Gulf Coast Debut -   Set on 1,000 feet (300 metres) of white sand in Old Naples, the Gulf Coast's first Four Seasons pairs beautiful accommodations with beachside dining, a lively Market Square, and a new Tom Fazio-designed golf course.
  • Island Luxury in Puerto Rico - Set within 483 acres (195 hectares) of Bahía Beach's lush nature reserve, this reimagined resort offers two miles (3.2 kilometres) of white-sand shoreline, extensive water and outdoor activities, and nearby access to El Yunque National Forest.
  • Beachfront Tranquillity on the Red Sea -  This retreat brings beachfront luxury to Saudi Arabia's Red Sea with six dining venues, a hammam and spa, three pools, and sweeping lagoon and beach views – tucked between the Hijazi Mountains and tranquil Hijaz Cove.
  • Wellness Redefined on Saudi's Coast -Blending regenerative tourism with luxury hospitality, this coastal escape features an Organic Spa Garden, curated wellness programs, and outdoor pursuits from horseback riding to a 27-hole oceanfront golf course.
  • Timeless Luxury in Historic Cartagena - Transforming colonial and Beaux-Arts landmarks right on the doorstep of Cartagena's UNESCO-listed Old Town, the hotel features a rooftop pool and bar, Umari spa, and eight dining venues celebrating Colombian and global flavours. 
  • A Modern Landmark in Madinah -    Located near Al-Masjid an-Nabawi (the Prophet's Mosque), this hotel will offer refined accommodations, event space, spa, and dining – thoughtfully blending modern comfort with the spiritual and cultural heritage of the city.
  • Venice's Historic Masterpiece Restored -  Venice's storied Hotel Danieli is being reinterpreted by Pierre-Yves Rochon, uniting three historic palaces with restored Gothic grandeur, water arrivals, and suites overlooking the lagoon.
  • Hideaway on the American Riviera – Tucked between the Pacific Ocean and the Santa Ynez Mountains and woven with secluded courtyards, fountains and red-brick pathways, the reimagined Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore Santa Barbara will welcome guests back to the iconic resort.
  • Cycladic Glamour Above the Aegean - Perched above Kalo Livadi Bay, this new resort channels Cycladic architecture with cliffside glamour, offering infinity pools, a luxury spa, direct beach access, and yacht excursions to nearby islands.
  • An Alpine Classic Returns - An alpine landmark reborn, The Park Gstaad reopens as a Four Seasons experience with stunning rooms and suites, a destination spa, and multiple culinary outlets – blending Swiss mountain tradition with contemporary Four Seasons style.
  • Lakeside Calm in Vietnam's Capital -   This retreat in the heart of Vietnam's bustling capital combines tranquil views of Hoan Kiem Lake with destination dining, a serene spa, and steps-away access to the Old and French Quarters.

Bold Renovations and Re-Designs

Beloved Four Seasons destinations are unveiled anew, blending enduring character with inspired expressions of timeless luxury.

  • A Parisian Legend Transformed - Following a three-year renovation, the Parisian landmark will unveil newly redesigned rooms and suites, including layouts with landscaped balconies and breathtaking Eiffel Tower views, while enhancing sustainability and technology throughout.
  • Maui's Presidential Suite Elevated -   In April, the Resort introduced the enhanced three-bedroom Maile Presidential Suite by Meyer Davis, a 4,000-square-foot (372 square metre) retreat on the top floor with wraparound Pacific views and a private wellness sanctuary featuring an infrared sauna, cold plunge, soaking tub, and digitally controlled shower.
  • Design Heritage Refreshed  - – Introduced in July and paying tribute to Milan's legacy of craftsmanship, the hotel's rooms and suites have been reimagined by Pierre-Yves Rochon to reflect refined, contemporary elegance - melding modern comforts with historic character in the heart of Italy's design capital.
  • Newly Styled Island Villas - Villas and residences reimagined by 1508 London highlight Mauritius' lush landscapes and vibrant culture, blending modern design details with the Resort's serene beachfront setting.
  • Sanctuary in the Sky - The Sky Garden accommodations by 1508 London offer an elevated urban sanctuary in the clouds, featuring warm natural finishes, curated art, and expansive skyline views from the city's tallest tower.
  • Artistry in Mexico City - Guest rooms and suites redesigned by Bibiana Huber showcase Mexican artistry and timeless elegance, pairing refined finishes with a fresh expression of local style.
  • Tokyo's Boutique Gem Renewed - Re-envisioned by André Fu Studio, Tokyo's most intimate Four Seasons returns as a contemporary manor with a calm, residential spirit, anchored by celebrated dining at Sézanne and Maison Marunouchi.
  • Beachfront Villa Reborn -   - The beloved coastal retreat is set to unveil its refreshed Five-Bedroom Beachfront Pool Villa, a private beachfront compound featuring expansive indoor–outdoor living, a large pool, and newly reimagined spaces designed for up to 15 guests to gather and relax.
  • Sky-High Renewal in Guangzhou -  Four Seasons Hotel GuangzhouHigh above the Pearl River, this dramatic urban hotel refreshes its guest rooms and signature spaces, including the 70th-floor sky lobby, soaring atrium, and Michelin-starred Yu Yue Heen.

Four Seasons Journeys by Sea and Sky in 2026

From the inaugural sail aboard Four Seasons Yachts to a distinguished collection of Four Seasons Private Jet Experience Journeys, the year ushers in a new era of effortless exploration.

  • First Voyage at Sea -  Four Seasons I debuts in 2026 with 95 all-suite accommodations, expansive outdoor space, and bespoke itineraries across the Mediterranean and Caribbean, reimagining ultra-luxury travel at sea.

Immersive Journeys by Air - Four Seasons Private Jet Experience and International Intrigue span eight to nine destinations over 21-23 days, with curated experiences and legendary Four Seasons properties and service along the way. Highlights include snorkelling the Great Barrier Reef, exploring the ruins of Petra, and witnessing the sun rise over the vast landscape of Serengeti National Park by hot air balloon.

 
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HOLLYWOOD, Fla., Sept. 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Hard Rock International was recognized by as one of this year's , becoming the first company in the gaming sector to be honored for its human trafficking prevention efforts. Hard Rock International and Seminole Gaming also provided updates on anti-trafficking efforts, including new student education programs.

ECPAT International is a leading organization that coordinates research, advocacy and action to end the exploitation of vulnerable children. Supported by ECPAT, is an international framework that equips the travel and tourism industry with resources and training to protect children from sexual exploitation. Member companies receive operational tools to help identify and prevent exploitation while showing their dedication to child protection in an industry that offenders frequently target. Hard Rock became a signatory of The Code in 2022.

"Everyone at Hard Rock International is incredibly honored to be recognized by ECPAT International and The Code for the work we are doing to combat human trafficking," said Stephanie Piimauna, Senior Vice President of People & Inclusion at Hard Rock International and Seminole Gaming. "Human trafficking is a critical issue that demands sustained action from industry leaders. While we are proud of this milestone, we view it as motivation to continue our efforts to protect vulnerable individuals worldwide."

To commemorate World Tourism Day on September 27, Hard Rock International and Seminole Gaming participated in ECPAT's "Tourism and Sustainable Transformation" event. Paul Pellizzari, Vice President of Global Social Responsibility at Hard Rock International and Seminole Gaming , and Durante Blais-Billie, Hard Rock's Social Responsibility Specialist and a member of the Seminole Tribe of Florida, presented at a highlighting Hard Rock's various anti-trafficking initiatives and how these comprehensive efforts empower every team member to embody key company mottos including Take Time to Be Kind and All is One.

Hard Rock's continue to expand, with new data showing significant growth in program reach and impact:

  • Social Identity Quest (SIQ) Program: This year, another 500,000 students across the United States and Mexico have completed Hard Rock's SIQ educational program with , the US affiliate of ECPAT International, and an organization dedicated to the elimination of the sexual exploitation of children. For the fall, Hard Rock just released three new SIQ programs: a , a program for grades 4–6 focusing on and another program for grades 7–12 focusing on , as well as . In addition, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce recognized SIQ as a national best practice in 2025.
  • Supporting PACT: Hard Rock donated $100,000 to in 2025 to date through the Change for Change initiative, which allows guests at participating Hard Rock casinos to donate change from cash tickets to the Hard Rock Heals Foundation® for anti-human trafficking efforts.
  • Team Member Training: Hard Rock has empowered guest-facing team members with more than 65,000 completed sessions at its hotels and casinos through comprehensive anti-trafficking training in 2025 to date, creating a frontline network of professionals equipped to recognize warning signs and respond effectively to protect potential victims.

To learn more about Hard Rock and Seminole Gaming's human trafficking prevention efforts, visit.

 

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