VICTORIA, BC (December 16, 2025) – As the year draws to a close, proudly reflects on an extraordinary year of recognition, reaffirming its position amongst the world’s most magnificent hotels. From national to international awards to continued innovation in sustainability and guest experiences, 2025 stands as landmark year for Canada’s Castle on the Coast.

Each achievement underscores the property’s commitment to providing elevated, memorable experiences while advancing sustainability, preserving heritage, and modernizing its historic infrastructure. The hotel’s accolades this year include:

#1 City Hotel in Canada – Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards
Fairmont Empress earned the top spot among all city hotels in Canada in Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best Awards 2025, a recognition based on global traveler surveys evaluating service, design, and overall guest experience.

Travel + Leisure Top 500 List – 2025 T+L 500 Best Hotels
The property was also featured on Travel + Leisure’s prestigious Top 500 list, placing it among the world’s most exceptional hotels for quality, consistency, and guest satisfaction.

#2 Hotel in Western Canada – Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards
Readers of Condé Nast Traveler ranked Fairmont Empress as the second-best hotel in Western Canada, highlighting its blend of historic grandeur and contemporary luxury.

2025 Michelin One Key Hotel
Fairmont Empress received a Michelin One Key designation for the second consecutive year of the award program. The accolade recognizes hotels that deliver outstanding comfort, service, and design—placing it among an elite group of properties worldwide.

Best Historic Hotel in the Americas – Historic Hotels Worldwide®
Honoured by Historic Hotels Worldwide, Fairmont Empress was named the Best Historic Hotel in the Americas, celebrating its architectural heritage, preservation efforts, and cultural significance.

Green Key Global Certified & Double Green Key Certified – Green Key Meetings
The hotel achieved 4 Green Key Global Certification for sustainable operations such as reducing food waste with the introduction of AI-waste monitoring tool Orbisk, water conversation efforts, and the elimination of single use plastics. The Double Green Key Certification is for its eco-conscious meeting and event practices, underscoring its leadership in environmental stewardship.

“We are incredibly honoured to receive this level of recognition from our loyal guests and industry partners, whose trust and support make these achievements possible,” said General Manager, Dan McGowan. “This year’s accolades are a reflection of the dedication and passion of our entire team, supported by the vision and continual investment of our owner, Nat Bosa. His commitment to making Fairmont Empress an internationally acclaimed bucket-list hotel is instrumental in ensuring the property remains an iconic destination in our community for generations to come.”  

Looking ahead to 2026, Fairmont Empress continues its journey of transformation, refinement, and timeless luxury with a contemporary touch. The year will see the reopening of The Bengal with a refreshed concept offering breakfast and dinner service, followed by a renovation of Q at the Empress, enhancing the restaurant and bar with renewed sophistication and vibrancy. Complementing these updates, the hotel will also introduce Dash a new grab-and-go located next to the shops and Mountain Galleries, offering guests specialty coffees, teas, pastries, and the hotel’s famous golden raisin scones.  

To learn more or stay up to date on the latest developments at Fairmont Empress, visit:

Saskatoon, SK (December 16, 2025) - Saskatoon’s most iconic landmark is entering a bold new chapter following a comprehensive renovation and rebranding. The historic Bessborough Hotel will join Marriott Bonvoy’s Autograph Collection, which includes over 340 independent hotels across the globe – each hand selected for their inherent craft and distinct perspective on design. The hotel will remain open until May 2026, with efforts made to minimize disruption to guests and the community as renovations begin on the north wing in mid-January. A hotel service pause is scheduled for mid- May to September 2026, with a grand reopening slated for the fourth quarter of 2026. The project promises to “Enchant the Moment” for every guest, elevating experiences from the everyday to the unforgettable.

Built in 1935 and affectionately known as “The Bess” this Castle on the River has long been a symbol of elegance, heritage, and hospitality. The renovation will preserve its timeless architecture while introducing a fresh brand identity rooted in refined tradition, vibrant energy, and worldly warmth.

With no two Autograph Collection hotels the same, each individual property offers an ‘Autograph Moment,’ a signature experience crafted through passion and expert skill, leaving a lasting imprint on guests. The Moment at The Bessborough will come in the form of the Cabinet of Curiosities – a curated, ever-changing display of objects, stories, and artifacts that reflect the hotel’s storied past and the eclectic spirit of travel. This installation invites guests to explore the unexpected, sparking conversation and discovery as part of the guests’ hotel experience. It’s a tribute to The Bess’ legacy as a cultural crossroads and a celebration of the curious minds who pass through its doors.

“Since opening in 1935, The Bessborough has been the crown jewel of Saskatoon,” said Jiri Rumlena President of SilverBirch Hotels. “We’re proud to collaborate on this transformational renovation to revitalize an iconic hotel and to reestablish a gathering place for locals and our guests.”

“This renovation is about more than aesthetics—it’s about creating moments that resonate,” said Renjith Vengalil, General Manager. “By joining Marriott’s Autograph Collection, we’re honouring the Bessborough’s legacy while embracing a future defined by authenticity, charm, and elevated hospitality.”

San Francisco — December 16, 2025 — Duetto, the hospitality industry’s leading provider of revenue and profit software, today announced its first global flagship event: , a summit dedicated to revenue and profit performance for hotels.

The event will take place on Thursday, April 16, 2026 at the Margaritaville Hollywood Beach Resort in Florida, bringing together hotel innovators, technology partners, and industry leaders around the world for a full day of education, inspiration, and community building.

“Profit is the new priority, yet many hoteliers are still asking what comes next. PERFORM will bring real conversations about what’s working, what’s changing, and how hotels can build more resilient commercial strategies. This summit is about learning from one another, challenging old assumptions, and exploring the practical steps that drive true performance. It’s designed for all hospitality professionals ready to elevate their strategy, whether they are Duetto customers or not.” — Alex Zoghlin, CEO at Duetto

About the event

As the hospitality industry shifts from room revenue optimization to total revenue and profitability, PERFORM is designed to provide clarity, direction, and practical strategies for what comes next.

Attendees will gain access to:

• Inspiring thought leadership from global voices shaping the future of hospitality and technology.
• Interactive workshops and hands-on product sessions designed to help hoteliers maximize performance within their own organizations.
• Networking and evening events that bring together hotel leaders to connect, collaborate, and celebrate progress across the industry.
• Exclusive insights into Duetto’s product roadmap, including innovations redefining revenue and profit decision-making.

PERFORM is designed for commercial leaders of hotels

Whether managing an independent property or overseeing a global portfolio, attendees will hear first-hand stories from peers who have tested new ideas, navigated difficult decisions, and are willing to share both their results and their process. While the event is hosted in Florida, a global turnout of attendees is anticipated, featuring an international roster of speakers who will share their expertise throughout the program.

Early bird tickets are now available: .

Québec City, Monday, December 15, 2025 – Following the official awarding of recognition to three additional concierges last month, has reached a historic milestone, it now holds the highest number of Les Clefs d’Or members of any hotel in Canada. With these new distinctions, the property proudly counts ten of the finest hotel concierges in the world, each proudly wearing the iconic crossed golden keys—the international symbol of excellence and unwavering dedication to guest service. This recognition highlights the essential work of our concierge team, who guide, advise and support our guests daily, uncovering the best the city has to offer and curating truly memorable experiences.

“We are extremely proud that our concierge team is recognized among the best in the world. Every day, they bring their expertise and passion to our guests, ensuring each stay at the Château is unforgettable. Congratulations—and above all, thank you—to our entire Les Clefs d’Or team between our concierge desks: Jason Turpin, Guillaume Giordano, Eric Sabetta, Catherine Leblanc, Iris Germain, Stéphanie Guay, Diane Gauthier, Maleni Rendon Chavez, Christine Gingras and Francis Bélanger,” says Simon Bovoli, Director of Luxury Experience & Concierge Services.

LES CLEFS D’OR – THE ELITE OF CONCIERGE SERVICE

Les Clefs d’Or is a prestigious international association of professional hotel concierges, with nearly 4,000 members across more than 80 countries and 530 destinations. Instantly recognizable by the crossed golden keys worn on their lapels, these concierges form an elite worldwide network committed to continuous professional development and exceptional guest service. Officially founded in France in 1952, with origins dating back to 1929, the organization is built on its core motto: service through friendship. Serving more than 100 million travelers annually, Les Clefs d’Or members handle requests ranging from the everyday to the truly extraordinary, relying on unparalleled local expertise and the strength of their global network. From Berlin to New York, Paris to Tokyo, no one knows the world—or delivers service with such inspired dedication—quite like Les Clefs d’Or concierges.

A SELECTION PROCESS AS DEMANDING AS ITS PRESTIGE

Becoming a Les Clefs d’Or member marks the culmination of an exceptionally rigorous journey. To qualify for the golden keys, candidates must have at least five years of hospitality experience, with a minimum of two specifically as a concierge, and must demonstrate impeccable professionalism. Before being admitted to the official examination, their abilities are tested through six mystery evaluations conducted over a two to three months period by their regional peers. This phase assesses, in real service conditions, the finesse, precision and excellence of their daily guest interactions. Candidates then advance to the final stage: an extensive, month-long practical examination. They must design a detailed, cross-Canada itinerary featuring truly exclusive experiences made possible through their professional relationships across the country. This in-depth evaluation encompasses a wide range of skills, including ethical knowledge, foreign language proficiency, and foundational sommelier principles, and concludes with an oral presentation before established members. Upon successful completion, the candidate’s file is reviewed by the regional council, then by the national council, which formally confirms their admission into this international fraternity built on excellence, trust and mentorship.