Latest news with #GHA
Skift
9 hours ago
- Business
- Skift
Simplicity in Loyalty: The Way Out For Indie Hotels
Global Hotel Alliance is betting that simplicity, not scale, will win the next phase of hotel loyalty. With a transparent rewards currency and a sharp focus on leisure travelers, it's carving out a middle path for independents looking to compete without giving up control. Skift Podcast Compelling discussions with travel industry leaders and creatives who are helping to shape the future of travel. Compelling discussions with travel industry leaders and creatives who are helping to shape the future of travel. Learn More In the latest episode of the Skift Travel Podcast, Skift Founder Rafat Ali sat down with Global Hotel Alliance CEO Chris Hartley for a deep dive into the Alliance's unique approach to distribution, direct bookings, and consumer loyalty. What began in 2004 as a Star Alliance-inspired coalition of four independent hotel brands has grown into a global loyalty ecosystem – with leisure travelers at its core. With more than 45 independent hotel brands and 900 properties under its umbrella, GHA is proving that collaboration, not consolidation, might be the best path forward for independent operators. Listen to This Podcast Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube | RSS The Value of Simplicity At the heart of GHA's appeal is its loyalty program, GHA Discovery, and its transparent currency, Discovery Dollars. Unlike opaque, often-devalued points systems common among legacy programs, Discovery Dollars offer a simple, intuitive value: 1 dollar equals 1 U.S. dollar. It's a strategy that consumers understand immediately – and respond to. According to Hartley, members with Discovery Dollars in their wallet are 10 to 15 times more likely to book again through a GHA hotel. 'Simplicity and transparency are what travelers want most,' Hartley said. 'They're tired of guessing what their points are worth.' A Loyalty Program Built for Leisure GHA's portfolio skews heavily toward leisure travel, reflecting a broader industry trend that Hartley believes is redefining the very premise of loyalty. While traditional programs were designed for high-frequency business travelers, today's landscape is marked by blended travel and increasing leisure trip frequency, and it is shifting the economics. 'Leisure travelers are staying longer, paying more, and traveling more often,' Hartley said. 'That changes the whole loyalty equation.' GHA Discovery's focus on resort destinations, upscale experiences, and a high proportion of owner-operated properties has created a direct channel for engagement that often bypasses the commission fees of online travel agencies (OTAs). 'If you get loyalty right, people will do irrational things to stay with you. You just have to earn their trust,' Hartley said. Competing Without Consolidating Unlike major chains that subsume smaller brands into massive loyalty systems, GHA offers independent hotels a way to retain their identity while gaining the benefits of scale. 'Most of our brands want to remain independent,' Hartley said. 'But at a certain point, the economics make that hard. We're offering them a middle path.' GHA's model enables smaller hotel groups to negotiate global corporate deals, access preferred partnerships, and reduce their reliance on OTAs without giving up their branding or operational autonomy. 'We don't own hotels. We don't even run them,' Hartley emphasized. 'But we do give them access to a loyal, global audience and the tools to compete.'
CAF
4 days ago
- Sport
- CAF
Ghana edge Algeria in penalty drama to reach TotalEnergies CAF WAFCON Semi-Finals
Ghana secured their place in the semi-finals of the TotalEnergies CAF Women's Africa Cup of Nations after a dramatic 4-2 penalty shootout victory over Algeria, following a goalless draw after extra time at Stade Mohamed V in Casablanca. The highly anticipated quarter-final clash was a tense and tactical affair, with both sides showing defensive resilience but unable to find the breakthrough in 120 minutes of play. Ghana thought they had taken the lead midway through the first half when Stella Nyamekye found the net, but the goal was ruled out for offside after a VAR review. Despite several efforts from the likes of Doris Boaduwaa, Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah, and Evelyn Badu, the Black Queens were denied by a spirited Algerian backline and goalkeeper Chloé N'Gazi. Algeria, playing with determination and energy, also created chances, particularly through Ghoutia Karchouni and Marine Dafeur, but Cynthia Konlan in Ghana's goal stood firm, making crucial saves during regular time and extra time. With the match heading to penalties, it was Ghana who held their nerve from the spot. Cynthia Konlan emerged as the hero, saving efforts from Marine Dafeur and Inès Belloumou to give her side the edge in the shootout. Josephine Bonsu, Doris Boaduwaa, Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah, and Evelyn Badu all converted for Ghana, while Sofia Guellati and Laura Muller were successful for Algeria. Konlan's heroics ensured a 4-2 win on penalties and booked Ghana a place in the final four. Penalty Shootout Summary: Josephine Bonsu – Goal (GHA) Sofia Guellati – Goal (ALG) Doris Boaduwaa – Goal (GHA) Marine Dafeur – Saved (ALG) Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah – Goal (GHA) Inès Belloumou – Saved (ALG) Laura Muller – Goal (ALG) Evelyn Badu – Goal (GHA) Ghana will now face the winner of the Nigeria vs. South Africa quarter-final in what promises to be another thrilling encounter as they continue their quest for continental glory.
Daily Tribune
6 days ago
- Health
- Daily Tribune
Saudi's Game-Changer hospital eyes Global role
TDT | Manama King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre (KFSHRC) has been awarded Global Healthcare Accreditation (GHA) for Medical Travel Services, earning a 95 percent score that cements its role as a leader in Saudi Arabia's transformation into a global medical destination. The recognition reflects the Kingdom's shift from a historically outbound medical travel market to one now attracting international patients. In 2024 alone, KFSHRC treated individuals from 17 different countries, reinforcing its reputation as a trusted centre for complex, cross-border care. Trusted care The GHA certification, granted by a US-based body, evaluates hospitals on international standards that prioritise patient-centred care, cultural competence, care coordination, and post-treatment follow-up. KFSHRC's high score confirms its ability to deliver on all fronts. 'This accreditation affirms our commitment to providing international patients with exceptional care,' said Dr. Amaal AlDakheel, Director of International Healthcare Services at KFSHRC. 'The GHA process was more than a compliance exercise. It offered us deep reflection, professional exchange, and valuable learning that strengthened our readiness to serve the world.' Vision-driven shift Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 calls for developing the country as a world-class hub for healthcare and medical tourism. KFSHRC is taking a lead in this goal by aiming to attract at least 5 percent of patients who would otherwise seek treatment abroad. Renée-Marie Stephano, CEO of Global Healthcare Accreditation, said KFSHRC reflects the bold ambition of this vision. 'Their commitment to excellence and global best practices exemplifies the future of safe, patient-centred international healthcare.' Cutting-edge capabilities To prepare for the accreditation, KFSHRC trained staff in GHA's methodology and standards. Several team members earned the Advanced Certified Medical Travel Professional designation, enhancing the hospital's ability to support diverse patient needs and expectations. KFSHRC also offers specialised care across eight Centres of Excellence covering cancer, transplant, neuroscience, heart, genome, surgery, paediatrics and women's health. Equipped with advanced technologies like CAR T-cell therapy and robotic surgery, it stands as one of the few institutions in the region offering such high-level treatments. The hospital was recently ranked 15th globally and first in the Middle East and Africa among the world's top 250 academic medical centres. It was also named the most valuable healthcare brand in the region by Brand Finance and included in Newsweek's list of the World's Best Smart Hospitals. Global network GHA is creating a broader international healthcare ecosystem by connecting accredited hospitals with insurers, referral partners, and travel providers. KFSHRC's inclusion in this network enhances its access to new markets, improves patient trust, and supports Saudi Arabia's ambition to become a preferred destination for medical travel. As one of the first in the region to achieve such a high standard, King Faisal Specialist Hospital is not only raising the bar for healthcare at home but also helping shape the Middle East's future as a trusted destination for advanced international treatment.
Gulf Business
7 days ago
- Business
- Gulf Business
UAE-based Global Hotel Alliance reports continued growth in H1 2025
Image: GHA Global Hotel Alliance (GHA), the Dubai-based collective of independent hotel brands, reported solid growth in H1 2025, fuelled by a surge in international travel and a strong Q2 performance. Revenues for the group's member hotels reached $1.5bn for the six months ending June 30, up 17 per cent year-on-year from $1.3bn in H1 2024. International stays, which continue to form the backbone of GHA's business, accounted for 70 per cent of room revenues, climbing 21 per cent year-on-year to $810m. The group noted that the United States remained the top source market for international bookings, contributing 15 per cent of all room revenues. The UK, Germany, China and Australia followed as key feeder markets. The most popular destinations for GHA DISCOVERY loyalty members in H1 were led by the UAE, followed by Thailand, Spain, Singapore and Italy. GHA's 850-plus properties also saw strong Q2 performance, which supported the positive H1 results. Hotel revenues rose 18 per cent year-on-year in Q2, while room nights increased by 19 per cent. Countries with the highest average daily rates during the quarter included the Maldives, the UK, Japan and Fiji. Cross-brand revenues – generated when members stay at hotels outside their primary brand – rose 18 per cent in Q2 to $94.7m, contributing to a total of $188.8m for the first half of the year, up 15 per cent from H1 2024. Direct bookings through GHA's digital platforms increased by 19 per cent in H1, a gain that helps member hotels reduce reliance on third-party platforms with higher commission costs. Global Hotel Alliance's loyalty programme sees 16 per cent YoY rise The group's loyalty programme, Use of the programme's rewards currency, DISCOVERY Dollars (D$), also surged, with redemptions jumping 61 per cent in Q2 compared to the same period last year. GHA added 48 new properties to its portfolio in the first six months of 2025, including hotels from newly joined brands such as Cheval Collection and Cinnamon Hotels. The expansion reinforces GHA's presence across Asia, the UK and the Middle East. 'With demand for international travel continuing to rise, our hotel brands are reaping the benefit of belonging to a truly global alliance. GHA DISCOVERY members are travelling further, staying longer, and booking directly, driving hotel profitability across our portfolio,' said Chris Hartley, CEO of Global Hotel Alliance. 'These results reflect the trust members place in GHA DISCOVERY and the strength of collaboration across our expanding network of brands and hotels. Even amid ongoing market uncertainty, the momentum we've built – supported by new brands and hotels joining the alliance – positions us well for a strong and resilient second half of the year,' he added. Read:
Zawya
16-07-2025
- Business
- Zawya
GHA reports 17% growth in H1 with hotel revenues at $1.5bln
The Global Hotel Alliance (GHA), a large alliance of independent hotel brands, reported continued growth in the first half of 2025, with total hotel revenues reaching $1.5 billion, a 17% year-on-year increase from $1.3 billion in H1 2024. International stays accounted for 70% of all room revenue, totaling $810 million, a 21% jump compared to the same period last year. The UAE took the top slot, followed by Thailand, Spain, Singapore, and Italy. The US remained the leading international source market for GHA's 850-plus properties worldwide, with GHA DISCOVERY loyalty programme members based in the country generating 15% of all international room revenue in H1. The top feeder markets were the UK, Germany, China, and Australia. Q2 2025 saw steady growth across all KPIs, contributing to the solid first half. Metric improvements included an 18% increase in hotel revenues versus Q2 2024 and a 19% increase in room nights. The GHA network's power to generate cross-brand revenues was clear, with a 18% growth to $94.7 million in Q2, contributing to H1 cross-brand revenues of $188.8 million, up 15% year-on-year. Direct bookings across GHA's digital platforms also surged 19% in H1 2025, helping hotels reduce their dependence on high-cost third-party channels. GHA DISCOVERY surpassed the 30-million-member mark in Q2, reaching 30.9 million members thanks to a 16% rise in new enrolments compared to Q2 2024. The program's innovative rewards currency, DISCOVERY Dollars (D$), saw exceptional growth in redemptions, rocketing 61% in Q2 year-on-year. 'With demand for international travel continuing to rise, our hotel brands are reaping the benefit of belonging to a truly global alliance. GHA DISCOVERY members are travelling further, staying longer, and booking directly, driving hotel profitability across our portfolio,' said Chris Hartley, CEO, Global Hotel Alliance. 'These results reflect the trust members place in GHA DISCOVERY and the strength of collaboration across our expanding network of brands and hotels. Even amid ongoing market uncertainty, the momentum we've built – supported by new brands and hotels joining the alliance – positions us well for a strong and resilient second half of the year.' -TradeArabia News Service Copyright 2024 Al Hilal Publishing and Marketing Group Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
