The 2026 ULTRAs honour the best of luxury travel at the Tower of London. October 3, 2026 The world's leading hotels, destinations, airlines, and airports, as voted for by Ultratravel magazine readers and the 38 million members of the GHA DISCOVERY loyalty programme, were revealed at the prestigious ULTRAs awards ceremony, held in London on Thursday 1st October 2026. Recognising the best in global travel, the ULTRAs (Ultimate Luxury Travel Related Awards) is an eagerly anticipated annual event for the luxury travel industry, organised by Nick Perry, Chairman of multi-media brand Ultratravel, with whom Global Hotel Alliance, the world's largest alliance of independent hotel brands and operator of award-winning loyalty programme GHA DISCOVERY, has a long-standing joint venture - Ultratravel Collection. Hosted at the Tower of London - Jewel House and The White Tower - this year's ULTRAs spanned 18 categories, recognising outstanding names in travel as voted for by millions of GHA DISCOVERY members. The awards highlighted the growing global recognition of excellence across the diverse world of luxury travel experiences. The awards were hosted by UK television presenters Natalie Pinkham and Gethin Jones, with a raft of personalities that included British actor Hugh Bonneville, Sky News presenter Sarah-Jane Mee as well as sporting legends from the world of rugby, Simon Shaw, Alun Wyn Jones, Serge Betsen and Andrew Mehrtens. The line-up of 2026 winners included Capella Sydney, hailed the 'Ultratravel Collection Hotel of the Year'; Anantara Hotels & Resorts, which took home the title of 'Luxury Brand of the Year' and Anantara Koh Yao Yai Resort & Villas in Thailand named 'Best New Hotel in the World'. Among the most celebrated hotels, Pan Pacific London was crowned 'Best Hotel in Europe'; Capella Bangkok won 'Best Hotel in Asia/Pacific'; and Marsa Malaz Kempinski, The Pearl in Doha triumphed as 'Best Hotel in the Middle East/Africa'. The Leela Palace New Delhi was recognised as 'Best Hotel in India/Indian Ocean' and The Surrey, A Corinthia Hotel, New York, was named 'Best Hotel in the Americas/Caribbean'. William E Heinecke, Founder & Chairman of Minor International, was honoured with the prestigious 'Lifetime Achievement Award', recognising his exceptional contribution and enduring impact on the global hospitality industry. Dubai-based Emirates once again claimed the title of 'Best Airline in the World' as well as 'Best Airline in the Middle East' demonstrating its continued leadership in global aviation and Regent Seven Seas Cruises won 'Best Luxury Cruise Line', while Japan was revealed as the 'Favourite Country for a Holiday'. Singapore Changi Airport emerged victorious in the hotly contested 'Best Airport in the World' category. Lufthansa secured the 'Best Airline in Europe,' Singapore Airlines won 'Best Airline in Asia/Australasia' and Delta Air Lines took home the trophy for 'Best Airline in the Americas'. A special award, newly launched at this year's ULTRAs for 'Favourite Luxury Lifestyle Brand' went to Louis Vuitton, a favourite among GHA DISCOVERY members for its beautifully constructed travel range. "The ULTRAs offer a powerful reflection of the standards and experiences that matter most to today's luxury travellers, shaped by the views and preferences of Ultratravel magazine readers, as well thousands of our GHA DISCOVERY members who voted for these awards," said GHA CEO Chris Hartley. "Congratulations to all this year's winners for raising the bar and demonstrating the very best of hospitality, aviation and travel."

Bonchon acquisition by Minor Food, Serruya Private Equity closes. Photo: Bonchon September 2, 2026 Bonchon'sownership has officially changed hands, with Minor Food and Serruya Private Equity completing their acquisition of the Korean fried chicken chain from VIG Partners and Seo & Family. Fast Casual first reported the pending acquisition in August, when the companies announced plans to divide ownership of the brand by geography. The transaction has now closed, with Minor Food owning Bonchon globally outside the Americas and Serruya Private Equity owning the business throughout North, Central and South America. Financial terms were not disclosed. For Bonchon, the deal comes as the brand reaches a series of significant growth milestones. The company has more than 150 U.S. restaurants and 500 locations worldwide across nine countries. Suzie Tsai, CEO of Bonchon, said the new ownership structure will allow the company to strengthen its franchise network and accelerate growth. "Bonchon's success is driven by passionate franchise partners who believe in the brand and its potential," Tsai said in a company press release. "Minor Food and SPE will enhance our franchise network and help us accelerate our growth, bringing Bonchon's iconic flavors and experience to even more guests." Serruya targets Americas growth. Toronto-based Serruya Private Equity plans to invest in Bonchon's existing U.S. platform while pursuing expansion across the Americas. Priority markets include Canada, Mexico and Chile, along with continued growth in existing U.S. markets. The Serruya family has more than three decades of experience investing in and operating consumer and franchise businesses. Its portfolio has included brands such as Yogen Früz, Pinkberry, Cold Stone Creamery, Marble Slab Creamery, Pretzelmaker and Sprinkles Cupcakes. Michael Serruya, chairman of Serruya Private Equity, said Bonchon's franchise model and global growth potential were key attractions. "Bonchon is one of the most compelling global restaurant brands, with a differentiated product, a loyal customer base, significant untapped growth potential and a highly scalable franchise model," Serruya said in the release. The deal also expands a relationship between Serruya and Minor that dates back more than 30 years. Minor Food expands Bonchon ownership. For Bangkok-based Minor Food, the acquisition represents a significant step up from its previous role with Bonchon. Minor Food had been Bonchon's master franchisee in Thailand. It now owns the brand and its operations globally outside the Americas. Minor Food is a wholly owned subsidiary of Minor International and operates 2,843 outlets across 24 countries under brands including The Pizza Company, Swensen's, Dairy Queen, Burger King, Sizzler, Benihana and The Coffee Club. The company said Bonchon adds a high-growth, asset-light and royalty-driven brand to its food-and-beverage portfolio. Korean food goes global. Bonchon's growth comes as Korean food and culture continue to gain traction globally. Founded in Busan, South Korea, in 2002, Bonchon has built its brand around hand-battered, double-fried Korean fried chicken and an emphasis on authentic Korean flavors. The company said its growth has been driven by franchise partners, word-of-mouth and increasing consumer interest in Korean food, entertainment, beauty and lifestyle. The ownership transition gives Bonchon two operators with different geographic strengths - Minor Food across international markets and Serruya in the Americas - as the brand moves into its next phase of expansion. William Blair served as lead financial adviser to Bonchon International, with BDA Partners serving as co-adviser.

Minor acquiring Bonchon Korean chicken chain. B1.6-billion deal expected to increase royalty and franchise fee income PUBLISHED: 11 Aug 2026 at 17:22 Ask Bangkok Post anything How will the Bonchon acquisition boost Minor International's earnings? How is Minor International funding the Bonchon acquisition? Why is Minor International acquiring Bonchon's intellectual property rights? SET-listed Minor International Plc (MINT) has announced plans to acquire 100% of Bonchon International Inc and its Korean fried chicken restaurant business. The acquisition will be carried out by MFG International Holding (Singapore) Pte Ltd, a subsidiary of Minor International, the company said in a filing to the Stock Exchange of Thailand on Tuesday. The Thai hotel and food services group will acquire the 55% stake held in Bonchon by VIG Partners, a Korean private equity group, and 45% held by Seo Jin-deok, who founded the restaurant chain in 2002. The transaction is valued at US$50 million (1.65 billion baht) with the final price subject to adjustment based on the value of underlying assets at the closing date, expected to be later this month. Minor International said the acquisition would secure ownership of Bonchon's intellectual property rights globally, excluding the Americas. "This move is expected to enhance MINT's earnings through increased royalty and franchise fee income," it added. The deal will be funded through borrowing from financial institutions, the company said. The first Bonchon Chicken branch in Thailand opened in 2011. The business grew rapidly, in line with Thai consumers' growing appetite for Korean food, and today there are 110 Bonchon outlets under Minor Food Group in Thailand and Australia.