Dream in Vietnam: Dream Hotel Group signed its first hotel in Vietnam with the country’s Beegreen Group to develop Dream Oceanami Villas & Spa in Long Hai, Ba Ria-Vung Tau Province. The 347-room villa resort is set to open in June 2017 and is the first of four that the two companies will develop in Vietnam; the other three will be in Vung Tau City, Hoi An, Ho Tram and Con Dao.
Airbnb, New York City settle: Home-sharing service Airbnb has dropped its lawsuit against New York City, its largest market, that challenged a state law calling for fines of up to US$7,500 for illegally listing a property on a rental platform.
The story is in the New York Times
Meliá in Bangkok: Meliá Hotels International announced the signing of Meliá Bangkok, the company’s first property in Bangkok and second in the country. The hotel company is partnering with Asset World, a member of TCC Group. The hotel is slated to open in 2022.
Fatal Karachi hotel fire: An early-morning fire at the Regent Plaza Hotel in Karachi, Pakistan, killed 11 people and injured 75. The blaze is being investigated.
Disney-area hotels: Hollywood, Florida-based investment firm AD 5 Commercial is seeking approval to build three select-service hotels just west of Disney’s Animal Kingdom in Orange County. Plans for the project include three 143-room hotels, water park features and a restaurant.
Read more in the Orlando Business Journal
Choice in Greece: Choice Hotels International signed a development agreement with Greece’s GVK Enterprises, a hospitality management and development firm, to develop five properties in the country under the Comfort Inn, Quality and Clarion brands. A Comfort Inn will open in mid-2017 in Athens.
Japan casino plans moves: Legislation in Japan to create “integrated resorts” that include casinos was approved by a House of Representatives committee.