The Chedi Andermatt is taking Swiss hospitality into new realms, as it announces today its arrival in the metaverse. Tech-savvy travellers will be able to visit a new virtual showroom and book three exclusive packages for future stays at the five-star deluxe hotel.
The Chedi Andermatt’s arrival in the metaverse was made possible thanks to a partnership with Worldline. Visitors will be able to book three packages directly through the virtual showroom, and pay for future experiences and stays via various online channels, including cryptocurrencies.
In 2021, the hotel became the first Swiss hotel to accept payments in Bitcoin and Ethereum, two of the most-used cryptocurrencies, for on-site payments at the property. Today’s announcement reinforces The Chedi Andermatt’s reputation as a crypto and digital pioneer, not just in the Swiss hospitality scene but on a global scale.
The metaverse is the internet of the future, overcoming the limits of today’s e-commerce platforms, aiming to facilitate payments and connetions between billions of people. Dubbed ‘Web 3.0’, the metaverse will extend the possibilities of work, socialising, shopping and payments in a three-dimensional virtual world. Worldline, already a leader in payment services, was the first payment provider to recognise the metaverse potential and create a showroom in this new universe.
The global brand strengthens its position in the luxury segment with 15 openings in 2025. Key growth areas include Vietnam, Argentina, Italy, Spain, and Middle East
IHG Hotels & Resorts (IHG), one of the world’s leading hotel companies, announces the signing of Vignette Collection, Union Han, Istanbul Karaköy, – marking the brand’s debut in Türkiye. The converted property, owned by Cortex Turizm, will become the 16th IHG hotel in the city once it opens in the second half of 2025.
Vignette Collection, Union Han, Istanbul Karaköy represents a continuation of IHG’s growth momentum across Türkiye, taking the total of opened and signed properties in Türkiye to 45 hotels. The latest signing also joins a growing portfolio of Vignette Collection properties around the world, which is set to reach 100 hotels in 10 years, bolstering IHG’s luxury and lifestyle portfolio, one of the world’s largest, with nearly 900 open and signed hotels globally.
Vignette Collection is IHG’s luxury conversion brand and allows owners to retain the independent identity and character of their hotels, whilst providing guests with a one-of-a-kind stay in destinations to remember. Staying true to the brand’s ethos, Vignette Collection, Union Han, Istanbul Karaköy will be underpinned by its own “A Means for Good” initiative, highlighting the hotel’s partnerships with local non-profit organisations to spearhead positive contributions to the communities in which it operates.
Situated in the historic Tütün Han building, the hotel will feature 51 unique, stylish guest rooms and an all-day artisan bakery and specialty food restaurant, as well as premium wellness facilities including a spa.
(Mrs) Willemijn Geels, Vice President, Development, Europe, IHG Hotels & Resorts, said: “It is great to see the momentum Vignette Collection, IHG’s very first collection brand, is having across Europe since its launch in 2021. Today, across the region, we have more than 14 open and signed Vignette Collection properties all in some of the most sought-after destinations. This is a testament to the trust new and existing owners have in IHG, our brands and global enterprise – including our leading loyalty offer and powerful technology and revenue systems - to deliver for them.I’m incredibly proud of the growth we have seen across Türkiye in recent years, which is due to the dedication and drive from our in-market team, who have established strong relationships with our partners. We look forward to working alongside Cortex Turizm to bring the hotel to life and welcome guests to Türkiye’s first Vignette Collection property in 2025.”
Cortex Team said: “It is incredibly exciting that our first property with IHG Hotels & Resorts also marks the debut of the Vignette Collection brand in Türkiye. We are confident IHG’s trusted reputation and leading loyalty offer will make the hotel the leading choice for domestic and international travellers alike who are looking for a unique and immersive experience.”
IHG Hotels & Resorts has 32 hotels currently in operation across the Türkiye and an additional 13 in development spanning right across its brand portfolio. Vignette Collection, Union Han, Istanbul Karaköy joins other notable signings from this year, including the first Garner hotel in the country which will be located close to the new International Istanbul Airport, and InterContinental Ankara which is set to open in 2025.