Since Minor Hotels International's $2.74 billion acquisition of Spanish hotel firm NH Hotels in October 2018, more investors in Thailand have "emerged to make deals or form joint ventures," HNN's Terence Baker writes.

Thai hotel investors are opening up new markets for their existing brands through asset acquisitions in Europe and Southeast Asia.

This has continued in 2021 with S Hotels & Resorts' purchase of the remaining 50% of 26 Mercure hotels with a total of 2,886 rooms in the U.K. from joint-venture partner FICO Holdings United Kingdom for $17.8 million.

"The two partners bought the first 50% in November 2015, with S Hotels & Resorts also having an additional Mercure hotel and two Holiday Inn assets in the U.K. for a combined 3,115 hotel rooms," Baker writes.

Extended Stay America has filed a preliminary proxy statement that details its agreement with Blackstone Real Estate Partners and Starwood Capital Group to acquire the company and its paired-share real estate investment trust ESH Hospitality for $6 billion.

The statement outlines the benefits of the deal to shareholders, such as delivering a "meaningful premium" at $19.50 per share.

• Click here to read more about the preliminary proxy statement and the history of the deal.

In March, it was reported the deal was facing hurdles, with several shareholders saying they plan to oppose the deal, citing "the $6 billion purchase price undervalues the company."

While final preparations are in place for the Tokyo Summer Olympic Games to take place in four months, some of the Japanese public is not thrilled the event is happening, The Wall Street Journal reports.

"It’s an unusual scenario for the anti-Olympics movement. Olympics held outside authoritarian countries almost always have protests over issues such as costs, corruption and the impact on local communities and the environment. The Games still go ahead," the news outlet reports.

With COVID-19 infections rising in the city, there's a chance the Games could be canceled.

HNN's Terence Baker wrote in an article in March that hotel occupancy and investment in Japan relies on the Olympic Games taking place, which hoteliers were concerned over at that time.

The Cosmopolitan hotel-casino in Las Vegas is prepared to pay up to $1 million in cash bonuses if 80% of its employees have received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccination by May 1, KTNV Las Vegas reports.

William McBeath, president and CEO of The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, said in a statement that the resort would launch the next phase of its coronavirus vaccination plan in response to the Nevada Gaming Control Board advising gaming companies to "accelerate the vaccination of its workforce."

"To incentivize employees to receive the vaccine as soon as possible, the resort will commit to pay upwards of $1 million in total cash bonuses should 80% of the workforce receive their first dose by May 1. Employees who have yet to receive the vaccine are strongly encouraged to take advantage of the resort’s free on-site vaccination clinic. Employees who choose not to get the vaccine will be required to test weekly," McBeath said in the statement.

The Virginia Restaurant, Lodging & Travel Association has created a new workforce project through $250,000 in grant funding to train workers in the industry across Central Virginia, NBC 12 reports.

In a statement, the association said: "The project has two parts: an upskilling and training program for unemployed and underemployed restaurant and hotel employees, and the enhancement of VRLTA’s industry-specific job board, which connects hospitality employers with job seekers."

Growth & Opportunity Virginia contributed 50% of the grant funds with the remaining funds matched by various counties.

Compiled by Danielle Hess.