Alan Woinski

Deutsche Bank initiated coverage on Hilton Grand Vacations with a Buy rating and a $59 price target, citing compelling stock levels. Hyatt CEO Mark Hoplamazian observed a return to offices in big cities, indicating potential growth in business transient travel. Hilton plans to install up to 20,000 Tesla Universal Wall Connectors at 2,000 hotels in North America, creating the largest EV charging network in the hospitality industry.

Foreign arrivals in the Philippines reached 3.3 million in the first eight months of 2023, approaching the government's annual goal of 4.8 million. South Korea was the top source of inbound tourists. Trip.com Group reported robust recovery in domestic and international business in 2Q23, with strong growth in domestic hotel bookings in China. However, outbound hotel and air reservations remained down compared to pre-Covid levels. Wyndham Hotels & Resorts signed three new agreements with Indonesia Hospitality Group, expanding its presence in Indonesia. This follows the earlier launch of the Howard Johnson by Wyndham brand in Indonesia.

Truist reports strong trends in the U.S. hotel industry, with no signs of demand slowdown and expectations of growth in Q4 2023, driven by group business, business travel, and international visitors. CoStar data indicates a shift in U.S. hotel occupancy trends, with family travel slowing, group events strengthening, and a return of business travel, particularly during weekdays. Various hotel-related developments include property updates, new hotel constructions, and management changes across different locations in the United States.

The Thai Hotels Association (THA) expresses concerns about new regulations that exclude accommodations with up to eight rooms and 30 guests from the hotel business, anticipating a 15% to 20% loss in tourism revenue and increased safety risks. The THA believes these regulations have more disadvantages than benefits, while the Tourism Council of Thailand supports them. Speculation grows regarding the legalization of casino gambling in Thailand within three years, attracting international and regional operators. The text emphasizes the importance of the government's approach to legalization, as it could affect investor interest, citing examples from other countries like Vietnam, South Korea, and Japan. New World Hotels & Resorts, an upper-upscale hotel brand under Rosewood Hotel Group, is actively expanding in Asia. They plan to have 18 operating hotels by the end of the year, with two more opening in 2024. The brand is entering various markets, including Mainland China, Vietnam, and Japan.

Truist  reported on its visit to  San Francisco  for the Visit Impact Summit. The good news is that the fall 2023 events are showing improvement. Marriott International  announced the completion of a recent redesign and renovation to the 146-room  Courtyard by Marriott Denver Central Park  in Denver, Colorado . Airbnb  stock received a big lift with the announcement of its  inclusion in the S&P 500 .

Both Thailand and South Korea are implementing strategies to entice Chinese tourists, including visa exemptions, tax refunds, and rewards. Thailand's response comes after a drop in Chinese tourist arrivals, while South Korea offers incentives like visa fee waivers and cultural experiences. The Philippines establishes a Korea Visa Application Center to handle increased visa requests between the two nations. Travel between Korea and the Philippines has surged, showing potential to surpass pre-pandemic levels. Avani Hotel construction begins in Australia, Accor expands its properties with Novotel Living in Vietnam, and Marriott introduces new properties in Bali and Thailand. Deepak Ohri departs from lebua Hotels and Resorts, while Vaibhav Verma becomes Chief Revenue Officer at juSTa Hotels & Resorts. Ms. Thapanee Kiatphaiboon assumes leadership at Thailand's Tourism Authority.

DJIA fell 169 points in August; Nasdaq rose 16; S&P 500 down 7. Travel intent increases: 21.8% plan foreign trips, 45.9% plan vacations. Hotel developments: New AC Hotel in Lansing, Sheraton San Diego rebranded as Sheraton Resort & Marina, TRS Coral Hotel added to Wyndham's Registry Collection. Upcoming: Highgate manages Hilton Garden Inn Kauai, IHG's Atwell Suites in Henderson and Fort Worth, proposed dual-tower project near Austin Convention Center.

China hotel RevPAR increased by 50.4% YoY, outperforming a 48.2% comparison and growing 19% compared to 2019, driven by strong recovery. Thai hotels, especially those with three stars or less, faced severe impact from interest rate hikes, uncertain tourism outlook, and competition, prompting calls for regulatory changes. New luxury hotels are opening in historic Japanese and Vietnamese destinations, while major hotel chains like Accor and Melia are expanding their portfolios in Singapore and Vietnam. Additionally, Meriton Suites is expanding luxury offerings across Australia.

Q2 '23 saw 14,572 global hotel projects. Luxury and upscale chains dominate, led by Hilton, Marriott, and IHG. Urban hotels lag in post-pandemic recovery compared to resorts and suburban counterparts, with rate management playing a vital role. Notable new hotels, rebranding, and appointments are taking place, with Hilton, Riu Caribe, Choice Hotels, and Sonder making moves. London's Broadwick Soho hotel is set to open with unique additions.

CoStar and STR analysis reveal Australia's hotel market normalization as leisure demand plateaus and corporate business strengthens. Occupancy and ADR figures show progress compared to last year but remain slightly below 2019 levels. Choice Hotels APAC reports positive Q2 results in Australia and New Zealand, adding new deals and Ascend Hotel Collection locations. Hotel Indigo Tokyo Shibuya opens, featuring music-themed rooms; DoubleDragon Corp starts construction on its first overseas hotel in Hokkaido, Japan. Macau experiences impressive hotel occupancy rebound in July; IOI Properties partners with Marriott for a new hotel in Singapore's Marina View property; juSTa Rudra Resort & Spa to open in India; The Greenwood Hotels and Resorts Group invests in Northeast India expansion; The Roxy Impiana Hotel prepares for opening in Kuching, Malaysia.