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Global Hotel Alliance (GHA), the UAE-based network of independent hotel brands, has reported a 17% year‑on‑year rise in total hotel revenues for the first half of 2025, reaching £1.11bn.
The performance, driven by a surge in international travel, marks a continuation of momentum from 2024 and sets a positive outlook for the remainder of the year.
International stays accounted for 70% of total room revenue, generating £600m – up 21% on the same period last year.
Top destinations for international stays by GHA DISCOVERY loyalty members were the UAE, Thailand, Spain, Singapore and Italy.
The United States remained the largest international source market, contributing 15% of global room revenue in H1. It was followed by the United Kingdom, Germany, China and Australia.
In the second quarter, hotel revenues rose 18% year on year, and room nights increased by 19%. The Maldives, the UK, Japan and Fiji recorded the highest average daily rates during the quarter.
Cross-brand revenues – generated by members staying with different brands within the alliance – rose 18% in Q2 to £70.2m and reached £139.9m for H1.
Direct bookings via GHA’s digital platforms also rose by 19%, helping hotels reduce reliance on third-party channels.
Membership of GHA DISCOVERY surpassed 30 million in Q2, reaching 30.9 million – a 16% rise in enrolments compared with Q2 2024. Redemptions of the programme’s rewards currency, DISCOVERY Dollars (D$), rose 61% year on year in Q2.
GHA added 48 hotels in H1, expanding its global footprint. New properties from Cheval Collection and Cinnamon Hotels further strengthened the alliance’s presence in Asia, the UK and the Middle East.
Chris Hartley, chief executive of GHA, said: “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.”
He added: “Even amid ongoing market uncertainty, the momentum we’ve built … positions us well for a strong and resilient second half of the year.”
