The Wedding Business.
News, data and people from Asia’s wedding industry, for the professionals behind the celebrations.
Amex GBT Forecasts 2027 Hotel Rate Rises, Dubai Up 1-2%
American Express Global Business Travel predicts hotel rates will climb in 2027. Asia-Pacific expects moderate increases, while Dubai forecasts a 1-2% rise.
Agoda Partners Capella Hotel Group, Boosting Luxury Bookings
This collaboration brings Capella Hotels and Resorts and Patina Hotels & Resorts to Agoda's platform, enhancing access to high-end stays across Asia and globally for couples.
Conran and Partners Joins DLR Group, Boosts Luxury Hotel Design
The London and Hong Kong-based studio, known for luxury resorts, becomes DLR Group's first European outpost, expanding global reach for high-end hospitality projects.
Australia Visa Cuts Alarm Hospitality, Threaten Wedding Travel
A new ballot system will reduce Working Holiday Maker visas by at least 38,000 annually, raising concerns over staffing and visitor spending for Australian venues.
Hilton Shifts Saudi Strategy to Mid-Market Hotels
Hilton's EMEA President Simon Vincent confirms a new focus on mid-tier brands in Saudi Arabia, following a luxury market build-out. This approach mirrors the brand's successful expansion in Turkey.
Australia Visa Changes to Impact Wedding Hotel Staffing
New Australian visa policies will reduce the hotel workforce by 38,000 annually, potentially affecting event services and staffing for weddings from November 2026.
KPAT Warns: Visa Delays Threaten Queensland Weddings
The Queensland hospitality group, which recently opened the 180-room Avani Mooloolaba Beach Hotel, cautions that longer visa processing times for temporary workers could impact hotel service standards and event bookings.
Ras Al Khaimah Targets 80% Luxury Hotels by 2030
The UAE emirate plans to nearly double its room count to 16,000, adding 8,000 new keys across international luxury brands by the end of the decade.
Andaz Gold Coast, JW Marriott, The Vantage Name Key Leaders
Saraid Carey becomes General Manager for Australia's first Andaz, opening this year. Jane Strangman joins as Director of Sales and Marketing, bringing three decades of luxury hotel experience.
Manyavar, WeddingSutra Name 15 Indian Wedding Ambassadors 2026
The 2026 program spotlights hosts, planners, and beauty experts shaping contemporary Indian celebrations. These professionals are recognized for their distinctive contributions to the industry.
Badung Regency Cancels Japan Tourism Mission, Rp 900 Million Budgeted
Bali's Badung Regency has called off its planned October 2026 tourism promotion trip to Fujisawa, Japan, citing administrative hurdles and unfulfilled requirements.
OneSpaWorld Approaches $1 Billion Revenue from Cruise Wellness
The company operates spas on over 200 vessels for major cruise lines, including Carnival and Royal Caribbean, serving more than 28 million passengers annually.
Cleartrip Launches Elite Program with INR 9 Flight Changes
The Indian online travel agency's new loyalty scheme offers up to 20% off hotel bookings and INR 9 domestic flight changes, aiming to reduce travel planning stress for couples.
Hilton Boosts Southeast Asia Presence, Adds 1,500 Phu Quoc Rooms
Hilton's 2026 openings include new properties in Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia, offering diverse settings for events and getaways.
Amina Taher Chairs Arab Fashion Council, DFW SS27 Dates Shift
The Arab Fashion Council appointed its first chairwoman, Amina Taher, in July, moving Dubai Fashion Week to October 22-26 for its Spring/Summer 2027 edition.
Leva Hotel Dubai Room Rates Halve Amid Gulf Hospitality Downturn
A month-long stay at Leva Hotel Dubai now costs AED3,000, representing a 50 percent reduction from its previous AED6,500 rate.
Wyndham Hotels Expands India Network, Focuses on Outbound Travel
Wyndham aims for 200 hotels in India by 2028, aligning with new direct flights to Greece. This strategy supports Indian couples planning destination weddings or honeymoons abroad.
Sabyasachi Bridal Jewellery Drives INR 2.15B Revenue
Indian designer Sabyasachi Mukherjee's high jewelry line now contributes one-third of his INR 6.45 billion revenue for fiscal 2026, driving his global luxury house ambition.
India's Tourism Ministry Cautions on Inbound Travel Lag
India's Ministry of Tourism observes a significant disparity between outbound and inbound tourism growth, with outbound rates at 4.8%, prompting a call to address international visitor numbers.
Royal Cliff Pattaya Earns Trip.com Chinese Friendly Certification
Four properties, including Royal Cliff Grand Hotel, achieved over 90 percent guest satisfaction among Chinese visitors.
IHG and ALAND to Open 15 Staybridge Suites Hotels Across Australia
The first two properties, located in Parramatta and Leppington, will offer 130 and 112 rooms respectively, expanding extended-stay options in Greater Western Sydney.
Amway China Event Reveals Luxury Wedding Demands From Asia's Buyers
Over 12,000 Amway Business Owners visited Bangkok between March and April this year, generating US$26.1 million in direct revenue.
Capella Sydney Wins AHEAD Asia Event Space Award
The prestigious AHEAD Asia 2026 awards, held in Singapore, recognized the Australian property's 'The Lands' venue for its outstanding design, highlighting top choices for destination celebrations.
Dorsett Grand Subang Appoints Nigel Boey as General Manager
Nigel Boey brings over 16 years of hospitality leadership to the Subang Jaya property. He will oversee hotel operations and strategic growth.
Ivan Giles Appointed GM, Four Seasons Northern Thailand Resorts
Mr. Giles previously led significant renovations and secured two Michelin Keys at Four Seasons Resort Langkawi. He brings over two decades of Four Seasons leadership to his new dual role.
Park Hyatt Sydney Appoints Germer, Nanuku Fiji Promotes Cakacaka
Germer brings extensive luxury hospitality leadership to Sydney's harborfront property. Cakacaka, with 23 years in the industry, steps up at the Fijian resort.
Klook Kreator Shops Offer Full Travel Itineraries for Weddings
Klook's enhanced Kreator Shops now allow over 30,000 creators to offer full travel itineraries, including hotels and transport, across 88 markets.
Phuket Hotels Prioritize Sustainability at PHIST 2026 Gathering
Over 1,000 delegates gathered at Angsana Laguna Phuket for PHIST 2026. The event promotes a "Whole Village" strategy for environmental responsibility in Thailand's tourism.
TFE Hotels Invests $100M in Adina, Expands to Singapore for Weddings
The investment targets guest rooms and public spaces across Australian and European Adina properties. New hotels are planned for Singapore, expanding options for wedding guests.
ClubMed Lifestyle Group Seeks Hong Kong Stock Exchange Listing
The resort operator, a Fosun subsidiary, reported EUR1.95 billion in revenue for 2025, leading the global all-inclusive resort market by revenue.
Accor to Revive Iconic Brand in Brisbane CBD with New Hotel Conversion
Accor's Pacific COO Adrian Williams confirms a deal for an existing property, with details expected in the coming weeks. The move highlights confidence in Queensland's growing tourism market.
India's $130 Billion Wedding Market: Stylists Guide Luxury Brands
India hosts 8 to 10 million weddings annually, with spending nearly double that on education, according to a 2024 Jeffries report.
Hyatt Expands in Indonesia with 3 Hotels, Debuts Destination Brand
Samara Lombok will open in 2027, marking the debut of the Destination by Hyatt brand in Southeast Asia. The 125-hectare resort offers 249 guestrooms and villas.
WeddingSutra Influencer Awards 2026: 300+ Nominees for Taj Lands End
Over 300 wedding professionals from across India have been shortlisted in 27 categories. The awards gala will convene on Wednesday, 19th August 2026, at Taj Lands End, Mumbai.
Capella Kyoto Welcomes SoNoMa by SingleThread, New Culinary Identity
The new Kyoto restaurant translates Northern California culinary traditions, avoiding replication for a distinct local identity within the luxury hospitality sector.
Cheval Collection Expands Dubai Portfolio with New Residences
The UK-based luxury hospitality company aims to double its global projects, with Cheval Residences Dubai Islands set for completion in 2029.
Morgan Meredith Leads The Imperial Gold Coast LXR Transformation; New Hires at The Leea, Centara
Morgan Meredith brings 15 years of luxury hospitality leadership to her new role, overseeing the Gold Coast property's transition to Australia's first LXR Hotels and Resorts in 2027.
HM Awards Nominations Close August 31 for Hilton Auckland, Fullerton Hotel Sydney Galas
Hotel and accommodation excellence across Australia, New Zealand, and the South Pacific will be honored at two ceremonies in October and November 2026.
Taj Hotels Reinstate Staff in Dubai Amid Rising Occupancy
Taj Exotica, The Palm, projects August occupancy above 60%, driven by robust demand from the United Kingdom and Europe.
Minor International’s $1 Billion REIT Reshapes Asian Hotel Investment
The investment spans Minor Hotels, NH Hotels & Resorts, and Anantara Hotels & Resorts assets, showing a shift in hospitality capital flow.
WeddingSutra Photography Awards 2026 Honor Indian Talent at Taj Lands End Mumbai
The annual event, held on August 19, 2026, celebrated leading wedding photographers and filmmakers. WeddingSutra.com's CEO stated the awards elevate Indian wedding photography on a global stage.
WeddingSutra Influencer Awards Honor Top Indian Wedding Professionals in Mumbai
The 2026 WeddingSutra Influencer Awards took place at Taj Lands End, Mumbai, celebrating excellence among India's wedding planners, designers, and artists.
IHG Unveils New Services to Boost Wedding Venue Operations
InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) has launched a new commercial services program for its hotel owners. This initiative aims to deliver cost efficiencies and enhance operational support, differentiating IHG from competitors who are reducing owner fees.
Hamilton Island Appoints Chris Mills as CEO, Renae Trimble as COO
Hamilton Island Enterprises has named Chris Mills as its new Chief Executive Officer. Renae Trimble joins as Chief Operating Officer, strengthening the executive team following the island's acquisition by Blackstone last year.
THSA Rebrands as Hotel Advisors Global, Boosts Asia-Pacific Venue Strategy
THSA Hotel Advisors has rebranded as Hotel Advisors Global, reflecting its expanded operations across Asia, Australia, and other regions. The firm continues to advise hotel owners and operators, a move that shapes future wedding venue strategies across the continent.
Airbnb, Tripadvisor Partner for Global Experiences Bookings
Tripadvisor and Airbnb have announced a new partnership, making a selection of Tripadvisor's tours and activities bookable on Airbnb later this year. This strategic move reshapes online travel options for couples planning honeymoons and destination weddings.
Cendyn Payment Framework Boosts Wedding Venue Bookings by Reducing Abandonment
Cendyn has introduced a unified payment framework within its CRS, aiming to streamline direct bookings for hotels. This system addresses payment friction, helping venues secure more reservations and reduce abandoned transactions by offering guests flexible payment options.
WeddingSutra Photography Awards 2026 Nominees Announced
WeddingSutra revealed the shortlist for its 2026 Photography Awards today, August 8. The prestigious gala in Mumbai will name winners on August 19.
Reliance Retail's The Wedding Collective Returns to Mumbai, Expands to Hyderabad in 2026
Reliance Retail brings The Wedding Collective back to Mumbai's Jio World Convention Centre from August 21 to 23, 2026. This third edition showcases 52 designers and 14 jewellers. The event also makes its debut in Hyderabad this year, expanding its reach across India.
China's Fashion Shifts: Quiet Luxury Redefines Asian Bridal Strategies
Independent fashion brands in China now navigate increased competition and discerning consumer spending. Success requires a clear brand identity, community engagement, and an embrace of quiet luxury aesthetics. These changes reshape bridal fashion across Asia.
Marriott Middle East Revenue Drop Reveals Venue Impact for Gulf Weddings
Marriott International recorded a significant revenue decline in the Middle East for Q2 2026. Regional conflict has impacted hotel development, potentially affecting future wedding venue availability in the Gulf.
IHG Hotels & Resorts Hosts 2026 Sales Showcase in Sydney, Melbourne
IHG Hotels & Resorts recently hosted its 2026 AuPAC Sales Showcase in Sydney and Melbourne. This event connected corporate clients with hotel teams, facilitating 1,040 meetings. The showcase demonstrated IHG's diverse portfolio across the region.