Amora Hotels & Resorts (Amora) is positioning itself for a new phase of expansion in Asia-Pacific with the opening of its inaugural corporate office in Sydney.
Founded in 1997, Amora owns and operates six properties in Asia-Pacific. The company plans to spearhead a growth plan to double its portfolio to 12 hotels in five years, and the establishment of the regional hub will be a launchpad for the hotel group to leverage opportunities for acquisitions while driving strategy, brand, operations, finance and human resources.
Amora’s owner and director Earp Siriphatrawan is assembling an experienced team to consolidate and expand the company, with Ravi Chandran, previously with Banyan Tree, being brought in as an independent director to the board to drive strategy and brand development.
Led by group vice president of operations, Tamer Habib, a former Starwood executive, the corporate office will take a holistic view of strategy, brand, operations and finance, driving a customer-centric approach and guest recognition programme, consolidating back office procedures and evaluating acquisition opportunities.
“This is an exciting time for Amora Hotels & Resorts, as we embark on a new era of regional expansion in Asia-Pacific,” said Siriphatrawan. “Our commitment is clear – we are investing in people and products, seeking fresh opportunities for acquisitions and looking forward with a bold vision. This is a fast-evolving industry and we understand the need to innovate to lead the independent hotel space.”
The Sustainable Hospitality Alliance has rebranded itself to the World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance (WSHA) in a significant move that underscores its expanding global influence and commitment to sustainable practices across the globe.
This announcement was made on stage at the Future Hospitality Summit in Riyadh, marking a new chapter in the organisation’s mission to advance Net Positive Hospitality for people, planet, place, and prosperity.
WSHA, with a storied 30-year legacy, started with 14 members in 2020 and has since grown to over 50 members representing more than 300 brands, 55,000 properties, and seven million rooms across every region of the world.
Its initiatives include the World Academy for Sustainable Hospitality and the Hotel Carbon, Water and Waste measurement tools, as well as global employability programmes and the development of universal criteria for sustainable progress.
Aligned with over 50 formal major industry partners, including the WTTC, UN Tourism, Global Business Travel Association, and the Global Sustainable Tourism Council, WSHA is dedicated to driving innovation, advancing global tools, and training, and fostering best practices through its Accelerator programmes.
WSHA CEO Glenn Mandziuk said: “Our name change reflects our journey towards inclusivity and the global expansion of our mission. Our vision of Net Positive Hospitality, where the industry contributes more than it consumes, is now closer than ever.”