Minor Hotels

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 gained 213 points, Nasdaq increased by 114 points, and S&P 500 rose 28 points; 10-year treasury yield decreased by 0.03 to 4.21%. Lodging stocks surged on Hersha Hospitality buyout news, particularly REITs: HT up 56%, BHR up 16%, AHT up 10%, others up 6% each, while AINC traded down -9%. Hersha Hospitality Trust and KSL Capital Partners will merge in an all-cash deal worth $1.4 billion, where common shareholders receive $10.00 per share and preferred shareholders receive varying amounts based on their holdings. The merger aims to close in Q4 2023, leading to a rally in hotel REIT stocks. Major US and Chinese hotel groups have strengthened post-pandemic, while Europe lags behind. Marriott, Jin Jiang, and Hilton lead the world hotel ranking, with only one European representative (Accor). US has six companies in top 10, China has three, and Spanish companies see shifts in their rankings.

Australia and New Zealand hotels saw revenue rise during FIFA Women's World Cup, especially in Wellington and Auckland. Singapore Expands Hotel Hiring: Singapore permits hiring from six new countries to meet growing hotel sector demands. Macau's tourism recovers with high visitor counts and new hotel offerings, including Raffles Hotel.

HCMC's hospitality market remained gloomy in H1 2023 due to slow international tourist arrivals. Ascott Limited is refreshing its hotel-in-residence model, catering to varying lengths of stays with hotel services and amenities. Dusit International expands in Japan with Dusit Thani Kyoto and plans massive expansion in China and India .

Thai tourism officials hope for 2 million Russian tourists to visit Thailand next year, as Russian travelers have been unwelcome in many European tourist locations due to their government's illegal invasion of Ukraine. Marriott International's Sheraton Hotels & Resorts is expanding in Asia Pacific with five new properties in China and Japan , showcasing the brand's new design concept. ONYX Hospitality Group announced the grand opening of Amari Raaya Maldives , establishing its presence in the Southeast Asian hotel industry.

Hotel RevPAR in China increased by 41.5% for the week, compared to a year ago. New hotel openings include InterContinental Shenzhen WECC in China, Novotel Rayong Star Convention Centre in Thailand , and INNSiDE by Melia hotel in Bangkok . NH Collection brand will debut in the Maldives with NH Collection Maldives Havodda Resort , and Mondrian Singapore Duxton has opened in Singapore's Chinatown.

Stock market performance: DJIA was up 86 points, Nasdaq up 158 points, and S&P 500 rose 33 points, while lodging stocks mostly declined. Wells Fargo raised target prices on lodging stocks, including RHP, APLE, HST , and DHR , maintaining their ratings. Various hotels underwent renovations, including Courtyard Louisville Airport and Chancellor's House Hotel , while new hotels were announced, such as the Hampton Inn & Suites in Pittsburgh and Riversuites in Philadelphia.

Cambodia 's international airports experienced a significant increase in passengers, with a 270% year-on-year growth in the first half of 2023. IHG Hotels & Resorts signed agreements for new hotels in Bhutan and Thailand , expanding its presence in these countries. Radisson Hotel Group achieved strategic growth in the APAC region, adding over 60 hotels to its portfolio, including milestone openings and signings.

Stock market performance: DJIA, Nasdaq, and S&P 500 rose while the 10-year treasury yield was down. Lodging industry updates: Sonder Holdings downgraded, EF Hutton assumes coverage of Selina Hospitality, Ryman Hospitality Properties acquires JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa. New hotel developments: Chartwell Hospitality and Rockbridge developing three new hotels, Innisfree Hotels and RREAF Holdings open Fairfield Inn & Suites Pensacola Beach, Great Wolf Resorts opens Great Wolf Lodge Maryland.

Market Performance: DJIA fell 5 points, Nasdaq rose 128, and S&P 500 increased by 16 points; lodging stocks underperformed consumer and leisure stocks. Jefferies Nantucket Conference: Lodging companies report moderation in leisure demand, strength in group business, and mixed recovery of business transient; limited conviction impacting strategies and stock performance. Hotel Industry Updates: Canada's hotel industry shows improved performance; various hotels undergo renovations, acquisitions, and openings across different locations.