Hong Kong SAR, China, 7 July 2026 – Global Hotel Alliance (GHA), the world’s largest alliance of independent hotel brands and operator of the award-winning GHA DISCOVERY loyalty programme, has announced the winners of its 2026 GHA Awards, celebrating excellence across 1,000 hotels, 55 brands and 100 countries. Held on board Regent Seven Seas Cruises’ luxury cruise ship Seven Seas Splendor on 5 July 2026, the awards recognised achievements in performance, guest engagement, satisfaction, technology, sustainability, loyalty and collaboration.
Hong Kong-based hospitality group Wharf Hotels received three distinguished accolades at the 2026 GHA Awards, with Thomas Salg, President of Wharf Hotels, accepting the honours on behalf of the group. The wins underscore Wharf Hotels’ strong performance, valued partnership and deep connection with GHA DISCOVERY members. Its premium brand, Marco Polo Hotels, was recognised for Celebrating 20 Years of Collaboration & Member Recognition, honouring its longstanding contribution to the alliance and continued commitment to member engagement. The hospitality group was also named Best Member Recognition — awarded to the brand most loved by GHA DISCOVERY members and achieving the highest satisfaction scores in guest surveys — and Best Brand Performance Winner, recognising outstanding delivery, engagement and collaboration over the past year.
Thomas Salg, President of Wharf Hotels, said: “We are honoured to receive these recognitions from Global Hotel Alliance, which reflect our longstanding partnership, the dedication of our hotel teams and the trust of GHA DISCOVERY members worldwide. These awards affirm our commitment to thoughtful hospitality, strong brand performance and memorable guest experiences across our three brands.”
GHA CEO Chris Hartley commented: “Congratulations to our winners for their outstanding accomplishments. Their achievements demonstrate the strength of collaboration and innovation among alliance member brands, inspired by a spirit of healthy competition and best practice, that continues to drive the success of GHA DISCOVERY and create value for all member brands.”
The GHA Awards were held during the alliance’s annual CEO conference, which brought together leaders from GHA hotel brands for its first CEO meeting at sea. The choice of Seven Seas Splendor reflected GHA’s longstanding partnership with Regent Seven Seas Cruises, connecting luxury voyages with GHA DISCOVERY.
In a fitting nod to the French Riviera setting, guest of honour Arthur Guérin-Boëri, the Nice-born French freediver and world champion, shared insights from a career defined by endurance, persistence and multiple world records.
Hong Kong-based hospitality group Wharf Hotels received three distinguished accolades at the 2026 GHA Awards, with Thomas Salg, President of Wharf Hotels, accepting the honours on behalf of the group. The wins underscore Wharf Hotels’ strong performance, valued partnership and deep connection with GHA DISCOVERY members. Its premium brand, Marco Polo Hotels, was recognised for Celebrating 20 Years of Collaboration & Member Recognition, honouring its longstanding contribution to the alliance and continued commitment to member engagement. The hospitality group was also named Best Member Recognition — awarded to the brand most loved by GHA DISCOVERY members and achieving the highest satisfaction scores in guest surveys — and Best Brand Performance Winner, recognising outstanding delivery, engagement and collaboration over the past year.
Thomas Salg, President of Wharf Hotels, said: “We are honoured to receive these recognitions from Global Hotel Alliance, which reflect our longstanding partnership, the dedication of our hotel teams and the trust of GHA DISCOVERY members worldwide. These awards affirm our commitment to thoughtful hospitality, strong brand performance and memorable guest experiences across our three brands.”
GHA CEO Chris Hartley commented: “Congratulations to our winners for their outstanding accomplishments. Their achievements demonstrate the strength of collaboration and innovation among alliance member brands, inspired by a spirit of healthy competition and best practice, that continues to drive the success of GHA DISCOVERY and create value for all member brands.”
The GHA Awards were held during the alliance’s annual CEO conference, which brought together leaders from GHA hotel brands for its first CEO meeting at sea. The choice of Seven Seas Splendor reflected GHA’s longstanding partnership with Regent Seven Seas Cruises, connecting luxury voyages with GHA DISCOVERY.
In a fitting nod to the French Riviera setting, guest of honour Arthur Guérin-Boëri, the Nice-born French freediver and world champion, shared insights from a career defined by endurance, persistence and multiple world records.
The event was attended by over 40 CEOs and senior executives from across GHA's global network.
About Wharf Hotels
Hong Kong SAR-based Wharf Hotels, a hospitality group and subsidiary of The Wharf (Holdings) Limited, owns and/or operates 16 hotels in Hong Kong SAR, Mainland China and the Philippines across three brands – Maqo, Marco Polo Hotels and Niccolo Hotels. Collectively, the portfolio offers more than 5,000 guestrooms, meeting spaces and crafted experiences for solo and group travellers in gateway cities. Visit wharfhotels.com or LinkedIn.
About GHA and GHA DISCOVERY
Global Hotel Alliance (GHA) is the world’s largest alliance of independent hotel brands with 55 brands and 1,000 hotels across 100 countries. Its award-winning loyalty programme – GHA DISCOVERY – provides 36 million members with recognition, D$ rewards and exclusive experiences across its hotels and partners, both with and without a stay.
Through membership in GHA, brands expand their global reach, drive incremental revenue and reduce dependence on third-party channels, all while maintaining management independence and individual positioning. For more information, visit globalhotelalliance.com or ghadiscovery.com.
