New OTA deal. Marriott International and Expedia reportedly have sign new, multi-year agreement that gives Marriott a commission reduction, which is now reportedly around 10% versus 12% previously. The agreement also reportedly expands Expedia’s role with Vacations by Marriott, the company’s platform offering vacation packages and travel deals. It also sets a distribution arrangement with Expedia beyond transient retail bookings that is expected to launch in the fourth quarter, the companies said.
Taj launches collection. Indian Hotels Company Ltd. (IHCL), the parent company of Taj hotels, will launch a new collection brand called SeleQtions. Properties will not bear the ‘Taj’ or ‘Vivanta’ tags, but will be properties that are well known in India and for which IHCL will take management. In its first phase, SeleQtions includes 12 hotels, which will continue to be known by their legacy names. The first SeleQtions hotel will be Cidade de Goa, a property, which IHCL recently took management.
Wynn banning founder? In an effort to keep its gaming license with the Massachusetts Gaming Commission and open its US$2.6 billion Encore Boston Harbor resort on June 23, Wynn Resorts Ltd. has proposed that its co-founder, Steve Wynn, be banned from the company’s properties in Las Vegas, Macau and Massachusetts. In a 49-page legal brief the company filed Monday, Wynn Resorts offered 13 measures it suggests be incorporated as part of the final resolution of the commission’s suitability case. An investigation into the company’s suitability to operate in Massachusetts was spurred days after the Wall Street Journal published an article in late January 2018 outlining allegations of sexual misconduct against Steve Wynn. He has denied all allegations against him.
German fund invests. Project developer GBI AG is going to invest in hotel properties in Germany, Austria and Switzerland for the Bayerische Versorgungskammer (BVK) via a fund launched by Universal-Investment, managing the acquired properties on a long-term basis. Within the scope of the cooperation started at the beginning of the year, the purchase of the first property, the 259-room Lindner Hotel Am Michel in Hamburg, has now been finalized. Initially, up to €500 million from the new fund are to be invested and hotels have been deemed as a highly attractive option.
Corinthia to Dubai. Malta-based Corinthia has announced the opening of its first hotel in the Middle East. Due to launch in 2020, Corinthia Meydan Beach Dubai, in partnership with Meydan Group, marks the beginning what the group says will be ambitious expansion plans.