Lodging companies are using their network might to grow even larger—balance sheet not included.

Wyndham Hotels & Resorts has signed its second strategic partnership in as many weeks, inking an agreement with Hong Kong-based Ovolo Group that will initially involve five Ovolo hotels totaling 450 rooms across Australia and Hong Kong joining the Wyndham hotel brand. Ovolo Group, which retains the Ovolo brand, will continue to own and manage the hotels while exclusively working with Wyndham to source additional development opportunities throughout Asia Pacific.

Earlier this month, Wyndham announced a strategic alliance with Cygnett Hotels & Resorts to expand its presence in South Asia. The 10-year agreement, which will introduce La Quinta by Wyndham and Registry Collection Hotels to the region, is expected to add more than 60 hotels across India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Nepal, with the first openings planned for 2026.

These types of strategic partnerships can be a win-win for global lodging companies: no upfront costs or big investment, while growing fee-based revenue streams.

Ovolo Hotels fashions itself as a forerunner of the lifestyle hotel movement in Asia Pacific. It was founded by Girish Jhunjhnuwala in 2002 as a serviced-apartment company and remains a privately family-owned business under the Hind Group. in 20-plus years, it has five hotels (four in Australia and one in Hong Kong) and also a “By Ovolo Collective” portfolio with five additional hotels.

Beyond the partnership, the five Ovolo hotels are also part of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, which last year formed a strategic alliance of its own with Hilton; however, individual SLH hotels are able to choose to participate in the Hilton Honors program or not. A spokesperson for Wyndham told HOTELS that the hotels will remain part of SLH, but will not participate in Hilton Honors.

Wyndham Hotels & Resorts has gradually looked for opportunities in higher-fee-based segments, something it emphasized on its second-quarter earnings call.

“This partnership marks a significant milestone for Wyndham, further expanding our upscale presence in the Asia Pacific region by combining Ovolo’s strengths in the lifestyle segment with our extensive global network,” said Joon Aun OOI, president of Wyndham Hotels & Resorts Asia Pacific. “The future of travel isn’t about sameness—it’s about spaces with soul, brands with a point of view and experiences that don’t blur into the background.”

The collaboration between Wyndham and Ovolo comes amid a surge of lifestyle hotel development and openings across Asia Pacific. A recent report from JLL forecasted that room supply is projected to grow 34% by 2027, with the segment having xpanded fourfold since 2014, adding nearly 65,000 rooms across the region. “The strong performance and growth potential of lifestyle hotels are attracting significant investor interest across Asia Pacific,” said Xander Nijnens, senior managing director, head of advisory and asset management, JLL Hotels & Hospitality Group, Asia Pacific. “The efficient programming and differentiated offerings of lifestyle hotels are making them increasingly attractive to investors, who recognise their potential for higher returns and long-term value creation.”

The surge comes amid booming consumer demand for experiential travel—valued by McKinsey as a $1 trillion USD opportunity globally—driven largely by younger travelers, including Gen Z.

“Ovolo isn’t just a hotel brand, it’s a lifestyle, a creative force that fuses fashion, art, music and entertainment,” said Shivang Jhunjhnuwala, chief of staff, Ovolo Group. “Since 2010, we’ve built a bold, culture-led brand that disrupts the cookie-cutter hotel experience. Now through our partnership with Wyndham, we’re flipping the script to unlock bold new growth opportunities by franchising a lifestyle brand without diluting its DNA. Wyndham is a global leader in hotel franchising—with the scale, infrastructure, and expertise to help us grow with intention and impact. Just as importantly, Ovolo brings something different—an edge and energy that complements Wyndham’s presence in the upscale lifestyle market.”

The hotels involved in the partnership are located in Sydney, Brisbane, Canberra, Melbourne and Hong Kong and are expected to officially become part of Wyndham’s global portfolio later this fall. Each will be integrated into Wyndham’s sales, marketing and distribution platforms and participate in the Wyndham Rewards loyalty program, which has approximately 120 million enrolled members.

The hotels in the Wyndham alliance will retain the Ovolo brand name, but be given a Wyndham extension. They are:

The collaboration between Wyndham and Ovolo, a pioneer of the lifestyle hotel movement in Asia Pacific, comes amid booming consumer demand for experiential travel—valued by McKinsey as a $1 trillion USD opportunity globally—driven largely by younger travelers, including Gen Z.

“This partnership marks a significant milestone for Wyndham, further expanding our upscale presence in the Asia Pacific region by combining Ovolo’s strengths in the lifestyle segment with our extensive global network. The future of travel isn’t about sameness—it’s about spaces with soul, brands with a point of view and experiences that don’t blur into the background.”

– Joon Aun OOI, President of Wyndham Hotels & Resorts Asia Pacific

“Ovolo isn’t just a hotel brand, it’s a lifestyle, a creative force that fuses fashion, art, music and entertainment. Since 2010, we’ve built a bold, culture-led brand that disrupts the cookie-cutter hotel experience. Now through our partnership with Wyndham, we’re flipping the script to unlock bold new growth opportunities by franchising a lifestyle brand without diluting its DNA. Wyndham is a global leader in hotel franchising—with the scale, infrastructure, and expertise to help us grow with intention and impact. Just as importantly, Ovolo brings something different—an edge and energy that complements Wyndham’s presence in the upscale lifestyle market.”

– Shivang Jhunjhnuwala, Chief of Staff, Ovolo Group

As part of the partnership, five existing Ovolo hotels, representing over 450 rooms, located in Sydney, Brisbane, Canberra, Melbourne, and Hong Kong, are expected to officially become part of Wyndham’s global portfolio later this fall. Each will be integrated into Wyndham’s world-class sales, marketing and distribution platforms, extending their reach while creating new commercial opportunities.

The five Ovolo hotels will also participate in the Wyndham Rewards® loyalty program, giving approximately 120 million enrolled members the opportunity to explore Ovolo’s vibrant, unconventional hospitality in new lifestyle destinations around the globe.

Every Ovolo hotel is a testament to the brand’s service ethos of FUN (fabulous, unconventional, never boring)—featuring bold design, immersive art and music, and memorable experiences like nightly Apéro hour. Among the locations slated to join the Wyndham portfolio:

Ovolo Central, a Wyndham Hotel

Ideally located in the heart of Hong Kong’s central district, near Lan Kwai Fong and SOHO, Ovolo Central is a 41-room boutique hotel that puts guests at the crossroads of the city’s legendary nightlife and dining scene. Rooms are spacious and design-forward, with an emphasis on modern amenities and natural light.

Ideally located in the heart of central district, near Lan Kwai Fong and SOHO, Ovolo Central is a 41-room boutique hotel that puts guests at the crossroads of the city’s legendary nightlife and dining scene. Rooms are spacious and design-forward, with an emphasis on modern amenities and natural light. Ovolo Nishi, a Wyndham Hotel

Nestled in the central business district of Canberra, Australia’s capital, Ovolo Nishi is a both stylish and quirky. Conveniently located steps from great shops, cafes and restaurants, the hotel is known for its eye-catching art and visually stimulating spaces. That includes each of its 85 guestrooms, which feature thoughtful amenities mixed with unique design and hand-picked, vintage pieces.

Nestled in the central business district of capital, Ovolo Nishi is a both stylish and quirky. Conveniently located steps from great shops, cafes and restaurants, the hotel is known for its eye-catching art and visually stimulating spaces. That includes each of its 85 guestrooms, which feature thoughtful amenities mixed with unique design and hand-picked, vintage pieces. Ovolo South Yarra, a Wyndham Hotel

Set in Melbourne’s fashionable South Yarra neighborhood, Ovolo South Yarra is an elevated take on pure seventies glamour. Step into one of the hotel’s 123-rooms and you’ll find contemporary conveniences paired with mid-century flair, including bold artwork, chrome finishes and vintage touches. Minutes from the city’s best bars, boutiques and late-night spots, it’s an ideal launchpad for anyone looking to unlock and discover all Melbourne has to offer.

Set in fashionable South Yarra neighborhood, Ovolo South Yarra is an elevated take on pure seventies glamour. Step into one of the hotel’s 123-rooms and you’ll find contemporary conveniences paired with mid-century flair, including bold artwork, chrome finishes and vintage touches. Minutes from the city’s best bars, boutiques and late-night spots, it’s an ideal launchpad for anyone looking to unlock and discover all has to offer. Ovolo The Valley, a Wyndham Hotel

Situated in Brisbane’s lively Fortitude Valley, the 103-room Ovolo The Valley is a multi-award-winning space celebrating art, music and Valley culture. Retro modern rooms combine stylish décor with artistic touches while some of the city’s hottest music venues, bars, galleries and cafes sit just outside the hotel’s front door.

Situated in lively Fortitude Valley, the 103-room Ovolo The Valley is a multi-award-winning space celebrating art, music and Valley culture. Retro modern rooms combine stylish décor with artistic touches while some of the city’s hottest music venues, bars, galleries and cafes sit just outside the hotel’s front door. Ovolo Woolloomooloo, a Wyndham Hotel

Located on the historic Finger Wharf in Sydney , Ovolo Woolloomooloo is a 100-room waterfront hotel combining stunning views with laid-back wharf living—all just minutes from some of Sydney’s most iconic attractions. Rooms are big, bright, and come packed with modern essentials—making them a welcome retreat after a long day exploring the Emerald City.

Wyndham’s growth in Asia Pacific is powered by the Wyndham Advantage—a combination of world-class marketing, distribution and other resources designed to put owners on the path to success. Inclusive of nearly $350 million in innovative technology investments since 2018, owners have access to best-in-class technology from industry-leading providers, including next-gen property management systems, as well as the industry’s #1 rated hotel rewards program as named by readers of USA Today.

To learn more, including franchise development opportunities, visit WyndhamDevelopment.com.

About Wyndham Hotels & Resorts

Wyndham Hotels & Resorts (NYSE: WH) is the world’s largest hotel franchising company by the number of franchised properties, with approximately 8,300 hotels across approximately 100 countries on six continents. Through its network of approximately 847,000 rooms appealing to the everyday traveler, Wyndham commands a leading presence in the economy and midscale segments of the lodging industry. The Company operates a portfolio of 25 hotel brands, including Super 8®, Days Inn®, Ramada®, Microtel®, La Quinta®, Baymont®, Wingate®, AmericInn®, ECHO Suites®, Registry Collection Hotels®, Trademark Collection® and Wyndham®. The Company’s award-winning Wyndham Rewards loyalty program offers approximately 120 million enrolled members the opportunity to redeem points at thousands of hotels, vacation club resorts and vacation rentals globally. For more information, visit www.wyndhamhotels.com

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the federal securities laws, including statements related to Wyndham’s current views and expectations with respect to development, growth and anticipated travel demands in Asia Pacific. Forward-looking statements are any statements other than statements of historical fact, including those that convey management’s expectations as to the future based on plans, estimates and projections at the time Wyndham makes the statements and may be identified by words such as “will,” “expect,” “believe,” “plan,” “anticipate,” “predict,” “intend,” “goal,” “future,” “forward,” “remain,” “confident,” “outlook,” “guidance,” “target,” “objective,” “estimate,” “projection” and similar words or expressions, including the negative version of such words and expressions. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of Wyndham to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this press release.

Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements include, without limitation, general economic conditions, including inflation, higher interest rates and potential recessionary pressures; the performance of the financial and credit markets; the economic environment for the hospitality industry; operating risks associated with the hotel franchising business; Wyndham’s relationships with franchisees; the impact of war, terrorist activity, political instability or political strife, including the ongoing conflicts between Russia and Ukraine and conflicts in the Middle East, respectively; global or regional health crises or pandemics including the resulting impact on Wyndham’s business, operations, financial results, cash flows and liquidity, as well as the impact on its franchisees, guests and team members, the hospitality industry and overall demand for and restrictions on travel; Wyndham’s ability to satisfy obligations and agreements under its outstanding indebtedness, including the payment of principal and interest and compliance with the covenants thereunder; risks related to Wyndham’s ability to obtain financing and the terms of such financing, including access to liquidity and capital; and Wyndham’s ability to make or pay, plans for and the timing and amount of any future share repurchases and/or dividends, as well as the risks described in Wyndham’s most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission and any subsequent reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. These risks and uncertainties are not the only ones Wyndham may face and additional risks may arise or become material in the future. Wyndham undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, subsequent events or otherwise, except as required by law.

SOURCE Wyndham Hotels & Resorts