
Global Hotel Alliance brings together a unique collection of independent hospitality brands for GHA DISCOVERY, a multi-brand loyalty programme. GHA represents a collection of 40 brands with 800 hotels spread over 100 countries serving more than 20 million members. Which means there’s a fit for every travel need, from iconic European palaces, overwater Maldivian villas, safari escapes, and sybaritic spa retreats (all perfect for honeymoons or other trips á deux), to business-friendly hotels perfectly situated in the centre of the most global hubs.
GHA’s brands include Anantara, Araiya, Avani, Campbell Gray, Capella, Corinthia, Discovery Destinations, Divani, Doyle, Elewana, Fauchon, GLO, JA Resorts, Kempinski, Leela, Lungarno, Marco Polo, Mysk, NH Hotels, Niccolo, Nikki Beach, NUO, Oaks, Outrigger, Pan Pacific, PARKROYAL COLLECTION, PARKROYAL, Patina, The Residence by Cenizaro, The Set Collection, Shaza, Sukhothai, Sun International, Tivoli, Ultratravel Collection and Viceroy.
Launched in 2010, GHA DISCOVERY is a programme that connects the independent brands and unique hotels of Global Hotel Alliance. Members enjoy VIP recognition, thoughtful benefits and generous rewards at home or away. Recently the programme has evolved to include an additional tier and flexible paths to upgrade through nights/stays, eligible purchases or number of brands stayed, making it easier and faster for members to reach elite status.
Unlike more traditional programmes, GHA DISCOVERY does not ask members to count points towards their next upgrade. Instead, members earn and spend DISCOVERY Dollars (D$), an exclusive rewards currency. They also enjoy members-only Experiences curated by each hotel and have access to properties close to home, without a stay, through member-only Local Offers. Through its ‘Live Local’ concept, it creates a member community and offers access to local hotels’ facilities and events.
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28 Mar 25
Partner News
Rotana Joins Global Hotel Alliance With 80 Properties Across The Middle East, North Africa, Eastern Europe & TurkeyAbu Dhabi-based Rotana will offer the 30 million members of the GHA DISCOVERY loyalty ...Read moreRotana Joins Global Hotel Alliance With 80 Properties Across The Middle East, North Africa, Eastern Europe & Turkey - News & announcementsAbu Dhabi-based Rotana will offer the 30 million members of the GHA DISCOVERY loyalty programme 80 additional properties to choose from across five distinct brands
Two UAE-based hospitality powerhouses have come together in a milestone partnership as Rotana, one of the Middle East’s leading hotel management companies, joins Global Hotel Alliance (GHA) – the world’s largest alliance of independent hotel brands. A fast-growing company, Rotana provides GHA DISCOVERY members access to an expansive portfolio of 80 properties across the Middle East, North Africa, Eastern Europe and Turkey, with more opening soon. GHA has started the integration, and all properties of five Rotana’s brands – Rotana Hotels & Resorts, Rayhaan Hotels & Resorts by Rotana, Centro by Rotana, Arjaan Hotel Apartments by Rotana, and Edge by Rotana – will be live in the programme in early 2026. For Rotana, joining GHA not only expands its global reach and visibility – with GHA DISCOVERY generating US$2.7 billion in revenue and 11 million room nights in 2024 – but also for current Rotana Rewards members – which will become Rotana DISCOVERY on completion of the integration - it offers an expanded range of loyalty benefits. These include: DISCOVERY Dollars (D$) where members can earn and spend D$ (with D$1 equal to US$1) at any property in the GHA DISCOVERY portfolio; rewards from the first stay and VIP benefits such as room upgrades, flexible check-in/check-out exclusive services, complimentary Wi-Fi, and more; and Local Offers – member-only access to hotel facilities, with or without a stay. Chris Hartley, CEO of Global Hotel Alliance, said: "Welcoming Rotana to GHA is a significant milestone, particularly in a region where the brand is the largest hotel operator. With Rotana commanding a growing presence across the Middle East, North Africa, Eastern Europe and Turkey, this partnership cements GHA DISCOVERY’s position as a top loyalty programme both regionally and globally, giving our members access to an even greater selection of properties and destinations. With Rotana joining, we will be close to 950 hotels, and we have high hopes to hit 1,000 hotels very soon.” Rotana thus benefits from the GHA DISCOVERY’s cross-brand activity – where members move between alliance brands generated US$370 million in incremental revenue last year. Philip Barnes, CEO of Rotana, added: "At Rotana, we are committed to delivering exceptional hospitality experiences, and being part of GHA enables us to extend this promise to a global audience. GHA and Rotana share the same values – offering a guest-centric approach that gives travellers choice, flexibility, and meaningful rewards. With GHA DISCOVERY, we are enhancing the benefits available to our loyal guests while expanding our reach through a world-class alliance of independent hotel brands.” -
28 Jan 25
Partner News
Global Hotel Alliance Concludes 20th Anniversary Year With Record-Breaking 2024 ResultsGHA DISCOVERY revenue up 16% to an all-time high of $2.7 billion Member engagement ...Read moreGlobal Hotel Alliance Concludes 20th Anniversary Year With Record-Breaking 2024 Results - News & announcements- GHA DISCOVERY revenue up 16% to an all-time high of $2.7 billion
- Member engagement grows, as repeat stay revenue increased 15% to $1.6 billion
- Sought-after cross-brand stay revenue up 28% to exceed $370 million
- 3.2 million new members join GHA DISCOVERY pushing total to 30 million, up 18%
- D$ redemption almost doubles to D$20 million, with December setting new record
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26 Nov 24
Partner News
Global Hotel Alliance Unveils Travel Plans, Preferences And Top Destinations For 2025Japan and Thailand holiday favourites for second year running, followed by China, Australia, New ...Read moreGlobal Hotel Alliance Unveils Travel Plans, Preferences And Top Destinations For 2025 - News & announcements- Japan and Thailand holiday favourites for second year running, followed by China, Australia, New Zealand and Italy
- Business travel makes a comeback (13% increase in planned business trips globally), led by travellers in China, Germany and Spain
- Asia and Europe dominate business and leisure travel plans for 2025
- Longest vacations planned by travellers in China, Thailand, and the UAE
- Relaxing and unwinding overtakes exploring new destinations as #1 travel motivation
- Friends and family recommendations remain the leading source of inspiration
- Loyalty platforms still the top tool for hotel search and booking
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12 Nov 24
Partner News
Global Hotel Alliance Highlights UK Market’s Global Influence In 2025 Travel Trends Report Launched At Ultras In LondonUK the number two international source market; customers spend £135 million on international stays ...Read moreGlobal Hotel Alliance Highlights UK Market’s Global Influence In 2025 Travel Trends Report Launched At Ultras In London - News & announcements- UK the number two international source market; customers spend £135 million on international stays in 2024
- Thailand, UAE (Dubai) and Japan emerge as most desired travel destinations for 2025
- Beach and tropical destinations are back, with UK travellers seeking relaxing experiences
- Sustainability matters with 61% of UK travellers preferring eco-conscious hotels
- 65% prioritise hotel quality over price and location
- The top three countries visited by UK travellers in 2024 were the United Arab Emirates, Portugal and Thailand vs. the top three countries they are most excited about traveling to in 2025 being Thailand, UAE (specifically Dubai) and Japan.
- UK travellers plan to take six leisure trips on average and more than five business trips with an overnight stay in 2025.
- In terms of the regions they plan to travel to for leisure in 2025, Europe came out top (79%), followed by Asia (54%) and the Middle East (41%).
- Their preferred travel experiences are shifting back to beach and tropical destinations (79%) and city escapes (64%), with the desire to relax and unwind topping their reasons for travel (73%).
- Europe (39%) was also named as top region for business trips in 2025 followed by Asia (17%) and North America (14%).
- A key trend revealed by the survey is UK travellers’ growing demand for sustainable travel. More than 61% of survey respondents based in the UK indicated a preference or appreciation for hotels that prioritise sustainability, reflecting a broader global trend towards eco-conscious travel choices.
- Additionally, quality remains a decisive factor for UK holidaymakers, with 41% citing hotel quality as their top consideration (being the highest preference indicator among all member countries), surpassing price and location in importance. UK travellers are discerning, expecting more from their accommodation in terms of both luxury and environmental responsibility.
- GHA DISCOVERY plays a pivotal role in UK travellers’ hotel choices, with loyalty programme ranking as the second most important factor when choosing a hotel, ahead of location, price, and hotel brand
- 41% of members value room upgrades and early check-in/late check-out as the most important benefits. 29% also seek exclusive member rates and discounted rooms when booking, followed by status recognition, and achieving or retaining elite status
- UK members’ preferred place to search for and book hotels is hotel loyalty programme websites or apps.
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15 Oct 24
Partner News
Global Hotel Alliance Reports Outstanding Q3 Numbers As All Key Performance Indicators Hit Double-Digit GrowthHotel revenues reach U$2 billion up 15% year-to-date, with room-nights up 16% Cross-brand revenues ...Read moreGlobal Hotel Alliance Reports Outstanding Q3 Numbers As All Key Performance Indicators Hit Double-Digit Growth - News & announcements- Hotel revenues reach U$2 billion up 15% year-to-date, with room-nights up 16%
- Cross-brand revenues hit US$276 million, up 30%, and direct bookings soar 40%
- International stays dominate, contributing 66% of room revenue
- US, UK, Germany and Australia are top feeder markets for Q3, together delivering 26% of total international room revenue
- DISCOVERY Dollars (D$) redemptions double year-on-year
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23 Apr 24
Partner News
A Year Since Launch, Global Hotel Alliance’s Green Collection Adds Hotels, Builds Awareness & AdoptionOver 220 hotels, resorts and palaces in the Green Collection are committed to creating ...Read moreA Year Since Launch, Global Hotel Alliance’s Green Collection Adds Hotels, Builds Awareness & Adoption - News & announcements- Over 220 hotels, resorts and palaces in the Green Collection are committed to creating a more sustainable future to protect the people and the planet
- 15% increase in the Green Collection hotel portfolio compared to 2023
- US$1 donation to charitable causes for every Green Collection hotel booking made via GHA DISCOVERY channels until 30 April 2024
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19 Apr 24
Partner News
Global Hotel Alliance Celebrates 20th Anniversary At Ihif Emea In Berlin Demonstrating Its Enduring Value For Independent Hotel BrandsUAE-headquartered Global Hotel Alliance (GHA), the world’s largest alliance of independent hotel brands, celebrated its ...Read moreGlobal Hotel Alliance Celebrates 20th Anniversary At Ihif Emea In Berlin Demonstrating Its Enduring Value For Independent Hotel Brands - News & announcementsUAE-headquartered Global Hotel Alliance (GHA), the world’s largest alliance of independent hotel brands, celebrated its 20th anniversary this week in Berlin at the International Hospitality Investment Forum (IHIF), where the then start-up was first announced in 2004. GHA was the loyalty partner of the IHIF EMEA event, which welcomed over 2,500 attendees from around the globe, and GHA CEO Chris Hartley shared his insights on the power of partnerships on the main stage. GHA was conceived along the airline alliance model, with the goal of helping independent hotel brands to compete with the major global players, and to become less dependent on high-cost third parties for distribution. The majority of the alliance’s 800 hotels are owner-operated and GHA gives them the tools, technology and marketing reach that are difficult to achieve alone. “The hospitality industry has seen significant consolidation over the last two decades, making it costlier for the smaller players to maintain market share; nonetheless, many owners remain fiercely independent, and so collaboration with like-minded independent brands is a great way to remain competitive”, says GHA CEO Chris Hartley. “We are majority-owned by two of our founder member brands Kempinski and Pan Pacific Hotels Group, plus Minor and Corinthia, and our primary goal has always been to drive incremental revenue and reduce costs for their hotels, rather than to maximize profit for the alliance.” GHA now has 40 brands with 800 hotels in 100 countries and continues to grow. In Q1 alone, the alliance welcomed The Lore Group and Cheval Collection as its latest member brands, as well as launching a partnership with Plum Guide, offering rewards for stays at its 38,000 luxury vacation homes. All GHA member brands and hotels share one loyalty platform – GHA DISCOVERY – which in 2023 delivered US$2.3 billion in total revenue and 10 million room nights from its 26 million members; and the unique, multi-brand loyalty program has won 120 awards for its programme innovation. To commemorate two decades of success, the GHA team was joined by its shareholders, brand executives, and hundreds of industry guests back at the iconic Hotel Adlon Kempinski Berlin this Tuesday evening for a 20th anniversary party, where it all began in 2004, dancing the night away to the legendary Boney M, who had performed at the same venue all those years ago. Reflecting on the last two decades, Hartley concluded, “We are proud to celebrate 20 years of collaboration, and hope that we can continue to grow and help the independent hotel sector to thrive in an increasingly competitive marketplace.” -
23 Oct 23
Partner News
Global Hotel Alliance Q3 Performance Peaks Across The Board; Remains On Track For A Record Year For Revenue2023 revenue, room nights and total stays now all higher than 2019 year to ...Read moreGlobal Hotel Alliance Q3 Performance Peaks Across The Board; Remains On Track For A Record Year For Revenue - News & announcements- 2023 revenue, room nights and total stays now all higher than 2019 year to date (YTD)
- Total revenue doubled YTD compared to 2022 and hits US$1.7 billion
- Q3 revenues up 41% versus Q3 2022, and room nights up 31%
- GHA DISCOVERY hits 25 million members in loyalty programme milestone
- Spain, Thailand and Italy deliver highest room revenue in 2023 YTD
- Cross-brand revenues pick up 55% to $79 million in Q3 compared to Q3 2022
- DISCOVERY Dollars (D$) redemptions rocket 90% compared to Q3 2022
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01 Aug 23
Partner News
Another incredible six months for Global Hotel AllianceBy: Christopher Hartley, CEO at Global Hotel Alliance Well it’s been another incredible ...Read moreAnother incredible six months for Global Hotel Alliance - News & announcementsBy: Christopher Hartley, CEO at Global Hotel Alliance Well it’s been another incredible six months for Global Hotel Alliance and so as we head into the summer holiday season up north, I thought I would reflect on some of our biggest achievements and milestones so far this year. Business has continued to recover strongly, with #leisuretravel still leading the way, while #businesstravel and #meetings and #events are coming back at a more modest pace. US travellers are leading the way in international travel demand, followed by the UK, while China is showing the first signs of a recovery six months after reopening. Our GHA DISCOVERY revenues grew an amazing 122% to US$1.2 billion, of which US$135 million was cross-brand revenue (i.e. revenue from customers moving between our member brands, which is what we’re all about!). We saw several significant new hotel openings, further expanding and enriching the choice for our GHA DISCOVERY members, including some new icons such as the Anantara Plaza Nice Hotel, the NH Collection Dubai The Palm, Capella Hotels and Resorts in Sydney and in Japan, the BELLUSTAR TOKYO, A Pan Pacific Hotel and HOTEL GROOVE SHINJUKU, A PARKROYAL Hotel which are already our most booked hotels! We are very proud that four of our hotel brands appeared in Travel + Leisure Co. world best awards, with Capella Hotels and Resorts being at number one, The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts at number three and Viceroy Hotel Group and Anantara Hotels, Resorts and Spas also in the top 20! We had an in-person gathering of our three most senior committees, with our CEO meeting hosted by Sun International in Cape Town, our Alliance Strategy Board hosted by Anantara Hotels, Resorts and Spas in Dubai; and our Brand Champions at the beautiful Hotel Adlon Kempinski Berlin. And it's so much more productive and fun to be meet again in person! And last, but certainly not least, we launched a first-of-a-kind partnership with Regent Seven Seas Cruises, meaning customers booking a luxury cruise with Regent Seven Seas can earn our expanding digital currency, Discovery Dollars (D$), of which we have now issued over D$100 million (= same in US$). We have a like-minded customer base that love travel and luxury experiences, and so this has all the makings of a fruitful collaboration. Thanks to all my colleagues in the fabulous GHA team, and to all of our member brands around the world for making this alliance such a successful (and fun!) business to work in. More to come in the second half of 2023 and beyond! -
14 Jul 23
Partner News
Global Hotel Alliance Reports Another Strong Quarter To End H1 On A High With Even Sunnier Conditions Forecast For Summer And BeyondRoom revenue spike 122% over 2022 by the end of Q2, with first-half GHA ...Read moreGlobal Hotel Alliance Reports Another Strong Quarter To End H1 On A High With Even Sunnier Conditions Forecast For Summer And Beyond - News & announcements- Room revenue spike 122% over 2022 by the end of Q2, with first-half GHA DISCOVERY loyalty programme revenues topping US$1.2 billion
- International leisure stays dominate, led by resurgent demand into Europe, the Middle East and Southeast Asia
- China’s travel comeback evident in H1 revenue growth
- Cross-brand revenue hits US$135 million in the year through June
- 116 million DISCOVERY Dollars (D$) have been issued since the digital currency’s launch 18 months ago
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09 May 23
Partner News
Global Hotel Alliance Kicks-Off 2023 In Growth Mode As New Hotels Join Portfolio And Q1 Results Prove Travel Is Back To Pre-Pandemic HighsThailand, Maldives, UAE, Spain, Singapore and Caribbean lead room revenue hikes 16 new hotels ...Read moreGlobal Hotel Alliance Kicks-Off 2023 In Growth Mode As New Hotels Join Portfolio And Q1 Results Prove Travel Is Back To Pre-Pandemic Highs - News & announcements- Thailand, Maldives, UAE, Spain, Singapore and Caribbean lead room revenue hikes
- 16 new hotels across nine brands join GHA portfolio since January
- Room revenue and rooms nights bounce back to 2019 levels in Q1
- Total revenue hits US$550 million for the quarter, up 127% on 2021
- International stays surpass pre-pandemic figures since November
- Cross-brand revenue hits US$61m in Q1 and is forecast to reach $260m in 2023
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12 Apr 23
Partner News
Global Hotel Alliance Stages Hotel CEO Conference In South Africa For The First Time; Highlights Upbeat Global Outlook And Trends For 2023• South Africa selected following Sun International joining GHA in 2022• Conference to highlight ...Read moreGlobal Hotel Alliance Stages Hotel CEO Conference In South Africa For The First Time; Highlights Upbeat Global Outlook And Trends For 2023 - News & announcements• South Africa selected following Sun International joining GHA in 2022
• Conference to highlight key trends influencing traveller mindsets in 2023
• GHA to reveal positive Q1 results with room revenue and room nights back to 2019 levels
• GHA DISCOVERY loyalty programme has seen 79% hike in members from Africa since end of 2019 UAE-headquartered Global Hotel Alliance, the world’s largest alliance of independent hotels brands, is staging its annual CEO conference in South Africa for the first time, with the leaders of its 40 hotel brands representing 800 hotels in 100 countries gathering at Sun International’s The Table Bay Hotel from April 12th to 14th to discuss the positive global travel industry outlook in 2023. The host location was selected after Sun International, headquartered in Johannesburg, and one of South Africa’s largest gaming and hospitality groups, joined GHA in 2022, providing the 24 million members of the GHA DISCOVERY loyalty programme expanded choice on the African continent, where today, GHA hotel brands operate 7,364 rooms across 57 hotels. Sun International’s portfolio enhanced the offering adding the flagship Sun City Resort, including The Palace of the Lost City, as well as leading luxury and lifestyle hotels such as The Table Bay in Cape Town and The Maslow Sandton, Johannesburg. Graham Wood, COO of Sun International, said: “It is a privilege to host GHA’s hotel brand CEOs in South Africa and be part of the conversation highlighting global trends and performance in 2023. Since joining GHA, we have benefitted from the marketing and distribution power of GHA DISCOVERY, which has delivered an increase in business to our properties from new and existing markets, and from other GHA hotel brands, and we look forward to building on this momentum in the year ahead, as travel’s rebound accelerates.” Q1 research conducted by GHA in 94 global markets has revealed four major trends influencing traveller mindsets in 2023, details of which CEO Chris Hartley will share and discuss with hotel brand CEOs in depth at this month’s conference to collectively identify the opportunities they present. The research found consumers are increasingly making travel decisions based on new inspiration sources, such as TV series or social media while blended travel, such as remote work or tagging holidays onto business trips, is a trend that is here to stay. Against a backdrop of rising inflation, travellers want to make the most of their trips and expect quality in return for rising prices. Since the pandemic, there has been growth in celebratory trips and people are looking to make up for lost time with trips that will create moments and memories for themselves, with friends or with family members. New leisure travel genres are emerging too, from trips with positive impact and sabbaticals to subscription models, with consumers willing to pay for exclusive hotel benefits. GHA’s CEO conference also reflected on the alliance’s bullish Q1 performance, with repeat-stay room revenue and room nights across now back to 2019 levels. International stays grew strongly from November 2022 onwards, with destinations leading the strong recovery in room revenue into Q1 2023 including Thailand, Maldives and the Caribbean. In terms of domestic and international stay room revenue, Thailand leads again followed by the UAE, Spain, Maldives and Singapore respectively. Total GHA DISCOVERY revenue was over US$550 million in Q1, while cross-brand revenue hit US$61 million and is forecast to reach $260 million by the end of the year, up from $168 million in 2022.The success of GHA DISCOVERY’s digital rewards currency, DISCOVERY Dollars (D$), whereby members can earn D$ for their spend across the GHA network, to use on their next stay at any GHA hotel, has been a key growth driver, with GHA research revealing the most common occasion for using D$ is towards a holiday. “Building on GHA’s stellar performance in 2022, the outlook for 2023 is even stronger, with Q1 figures revealing growth beyond pre-pandemic levels as travel demand accelerates and GHA DISCOVERY members fully leverage the loyalty programme’s many benefits across our growing portfolio of hotels,” said GHA CEO Chris Hartley. There are opportunities for GHA DISCOVERY to tap into new travel trends deliver more business to our hotels, and it is always a pleasure to discuss this evolving hospitality landscape with our CEOs, who are some of the most respected leaders in the global hospitality sector. He added: “With Africa being a key growth market for GHA, and now that Sun International is part of the alliance, it is fitting that we stage our event in South Africa to bring the potential of this region into focus.” GHA DISCOVERY membership in South Africa has increased significantly since Sun International joined GHA, with numbers up 79% since the end of 2019. The top five member source markets for GHA properties in Africa are the US, South Africa, the UK, France and Russia.