Opal Hospitality expands to U.S., acquires Four Points by Sheraton Charlotte‑Lake Norman, N.C.
Opal Hospitality has expanded into the U.S. market with acquisition of Four Points by Sheraton Charlotte-Lake Norman, Huntersville, N.C.
Wyndham Hotels & Resorts has signed nearly 600 direct franchise agreements in China across the country in just five years.
Wyndham takes what it refers to as an "owner-first approach to franchising," increasing efforts in recent years to reduce its reliance for growth on master licensees—a move underscored in 2019 when the company reacquired direct franchising rights for its Days Inn brand in China.
Wyndham is the largest U.S. based hotel company in China by number of properties, with a footprint spanning more than 1,600 hotels and more than 180,000 rooms across 13 of its 25 brands. In the first half of 2024 alone, Wyndham signed direct franchise agreements for more than 70 hotels in key markets including Beijing, Jiangsu and Guangdong. The milestone comes amidst a travel and tourism surge in China, where it is on track to become the world’s largest travel and tourism market by 2035—giving owners an opportunity to capitalize as guests look to explore the country.
In line with its mission of making hotel travel possible for all and catering to the diverse needs of Chinese travellers, Wyndham has opened nearly 300 direct franchised hotels in China over the last five years; spanning economy to upscale accommodations.
Standout hotel openings since 2019 include:
Opal Hospitality has expanded into the U.S. market with acquisition of Four Points by Sheraton Charlotte-Lake Norman, Huntersville, N.C.
Holiday Inn & Suites Parkway Conference Centre, St. Catharines, Ont. held a grand re-opening after its renovations—now double-branded with the addition of Staybridge Suites for extended stays.
FEATURE PROFILE: Feature from the FALL 2024 ISSUE of STAY Magazine
Norwood Hotel by Sparrow Hotels, Winnipeg, Man. has completed renovations to its lobby and banquet areas.