Asia-Pacific

In China, hotel RevPAR for the week ended December 2nd saw a significant year-over-year increase of 55.6%, contrasting with a -2.6% decline in the previous year. However, compared to the same week in 2019, there was a -7.4% decrease. Marriott International announced the opening of the Courtyard by Marriott Perth, Murdoch in two months. AppleOne Group has started constructing the JW Marriott Panglao Island Resort & Residences in Bohol, Philippines, expected to complete in 2027.

Aman Group is launching a new brand, Janu, in Tokyo with its flagship property featuring luxury amenities, including a large wellness center and various dining options. Several hotel management changes and expansions are announced: Rosewood Hotels & Resorts in New Zealand, The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts in Sikkim, India, and Ramee Group of Hotels entering Tamil Nadu, India. New developments and reimaginings in the hospitality industry include Megaworld's new township in Puerto Princesa, Palawan, Townplace West Kowloon in Hong Kong launching a new social club, and SAii Resorts in Thailand undergoing extensive renovations.

Notable are the predictions of 3% to 8% hotel rate hikes in 2024, with Asia leading in occupancy growth. Accor's execution of management agreements for 69 properties across Asia, enhancing its portfolio with over 16,500 keys, is a major development. The reopening of the Mandarin Oriental Singapore after a multi-million dollar transformation underscores significant refurbishment investments in the industry.

Coherent Market Insights reports that Singapore's MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) market, valued at S$3.82 billion in 2023, is expected to grow to $6.97 billion by 2030 Marriott International will operate the new W Singapore – Marina View as part of a mixed-use development in Singapor Wyndham Hotels & Resorts signed a franchise agreement for Ramada by Wyndham in Jim Corbett, Uttarakhand, India, enhancing its North Indian presence.

China's hotel Revenue Per Available Room (RevPAR) increased by 46.5% for the week ending November 25, 2023, compared to a 2.2% increase year-over-year but was down 2.8% compared to 2019. Curio Collection by Hilton is set to reach its 150th opening by the end of 2023, with 19 new properties, including 10 first-in-market hotels, such as in Kenya, Vietnam, Monaco, Australia, Argentina, and Curacao. Courtyard by Marriott Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport opened on December 1, being the largest in Thailand with 468 rooms and multiple dining options.

79% of markets showed growth in Revenue Per Available Room (RevPAR) compared to 2019, with countries like the United Arab Emirates, South Korea, and Singapore leading. Wyndham Hotels & Resorts is set to open over 10 new hotels in Malaysia, and BWH Hotels announced a new upscale hotel in Vietnam, indicating significant growth and investment in the Asian hospitality market. Chinese airlines are canceling flights to Thailand amidst decreasing traveler numbers, despite visa waivers. Meanwhile, the Philippines surpassed its target for international visitor arrivals, with South Korea being the top source market.

Macau's gaming tourism area hosted over 245 MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) events in the third quarter of 2023, a 231% increase from the previous year. Several new hotels are opening or being signed across Asia, including the Four Seasons Hotel Suzhou in China, the first TRIBE NATION hotel in China, and Mandarin Oriental's Villa Mayavee in Phuket Mohegan Inspire Entertainment in South Korea begins a soft opening of its non-casino areas, and Indian Hotels Company announces its sixth Ginger brand hotel in Kerala, India.

China launches a pilot project allowing visa-free travel for visitors from several countries, with Malaysia reciprocating for Chinese and Indian visitors. IHG, Accor, SM Hotels, Hilton, and Artyzen Hospitality Group announce new properties and partnerships across Asia. The former Palazzo Versace in Australia is up for sale with a $100 million price tag.

Singapore saw a significant rise in international visitor arrivals in October, notably from China and Indonesia. Meanwhile, The Philippines plans to develop 48 new hotels by 2028. Several hospitality brands announced major expansions, including The Standard International's new The StandardX in Melbourne, Australia, and Accor opening Mercure Tokyo Haneda Airport. Indian Hotels Company formalized a partnership for a new Vivanta hotel in Kochi, India, and Crowne Plaza in Chennai, India will be replaced by luxury apartments.

Today's report highlights significant growth in global search results for inbound travel to China, with Trip.com noting a nearly 40% increase in 3Q23. New properties and expansions are underway, including The Grand Mercure Lampung Hotel in Indonesia and the first Four Points by Sheraton in Kuala Lumpur. The Imperial in New Delhi is undergoing a significant reinvention, including refurbishing historical furniture and revamping its food and beverage operations.