AMResorts expands in Mexico: AMResorts will assume sales, marketing and management duties of the Sabor Cozumel Resort & Spa, Sabor Cozumel Exclusive Resort & Spa, Aura Cozumel Grand and Regency. Sabor Cozumel Exclusive Resort & Spa and Aura Cozumel Grand will be combined to become Secrets Aura Cozumel
IHG announces dividend, share buyback: IHG announced that it will return US$1 billion to shareholders via a US$500 million dividend and a US$500 million share buyback program.
Chesapeake raises capital: Chesapeake Lodging Trust announced a public offering of 6.5 million shares to raise US$115.2 million.
Kempinski Palace for sale: The 183-room Kempinski Palace Hotel, located in Portoroz, Slovenia, is for sale.
Orient-Express refinances Sicilian properties: Orient-Express Hotels announced that a €35 million (US$45 million) refinancing of Grand Hotel Timeo and Villa Sant’Andrea Hotel, both located in Taormina, Italy.
Greece identifies 40 islands to lease: Greece’s Hellenic Republic Asset Development Fund has identified 40 uninhabited islands that could be leased for resort development to help the country reduce its debt.