Asia-Pacific

Chinese tourists are showing decreased interest in Japan and Thailand, partly due to Japan's Fukushima wastewater release and negative perceptions from movies about Thailand. Consequently, Singapore, Europe, South Korea, Malaysia, and Australia have become more popular destinations. M Social opens its first hotel in Suzhou, China, and Indian Hotels Company plans to expand its Ginger brand across India. Other developments include the opening of the Ramada Encore by Wyndham in Amritsar, India, and new properties in Goa and Hong Kong under different brands. Sun Siyam Pasikudah in Sri Lanka reopens after renovations, and Berjaya Land Bhd secures a loan for developing the Four Seasons Resort in Okinawa, Japan.

IHG Hotels & Resorts ventures into Thailand’s Golden Triangle with luxury properties, while Courtyard by Marriott Bangkok undergoes extensive renovations. Six Senses opens a new resort in the Maldives, and Accor expands its portfolio across the Pacific region. OYO plans to alleviate debt through a buyback process before its long-anticipated IPO, while Indian Hotels Company inaugurates Ginger Mumbai Airport and Sarovar Hotels & Resorts debuts in Gujarat. Atmosphere Core introduces new hires and strategic shifts in the Maldives, emphasizing culinary strategies and upcoming projects across various brands and locations.

Amara Holdings received a voluntary cash offer at 60 cents per share from a consortium linked to Albert Teo, Amara’s CEO, other members of his family, and private equity investor Dymon Asia. In the Q3 2023 China Construction Pipeline Trend Report by Lodging Econometrics , at the end of the quarter, China’s total construction pipeline reached a record high of 3,720 projects with 686,017 rooms, up 3% by projects and unchanged by rooms year-over-year. Dusit International has signed HMA and RMA agreements with Ziogreen Private Limited to manage four properties amidst the beautiful landscapes of Karnataka state, southern India .

The report outlines growth in hotel construction in the Asia Pacific region, highlighting leading countries and cities outside China and forecasts for new hotel openings. The Maldives sees significant international tourist numbers from Russia, India, and China, while Thailand explores controversial plans involving Chinese police presence at tourist spots. Various hotel chains including YOTEL, Radisson, Katrina Group, and Sage Hospitality announce new projects, expansions, or management agreements across Asia Pacific regions.

Wyndham Grand debuts in Kuala Lumpur and Hilton's Curio Collection enters India, while Hotel Indigo Sydney Potts Point launches after a significant refurbishment. Hyatt and IHCL plan extensive expansions in India, while Genting invests in Sentosa. The Westin Tokyo undergoes a major makeover, and Candeo Hotels integrates a historic temple in Osaka.

JLL’s Hotel Momentum India  report said a total of 59 hotels comprising around 4,700 keys were signed in  India  in the last quarter. Hilton  announced some of their 2024 planned openings in the  Asia Pacific region. First up will be  Conrad Singapore Orchard  on January 1. The  Sri Lanka Convention Bureau  is working to establish the country’s Northern province as a destination for MICE for South  India .

Accor is rebranding 23 Daiwa Resorts properties in Japan as Mercure and Grand Mercure hotels in 2024. The first Hyatt Place hotel in Johor Bahru, Malaysia, is now open, connected to Paradigm Mall. Swiss-Belhotel International rebranded an upscale property in Surabaya, Indonesia, as the Grand Swiss-Belhotel Darmo.

The Philippines is close to reaching its annual goal of 4.8 million tourist arrivals, with nearly 4.1 million arrivals in the first 10 months of 2023. South Korea remains the top source of inbound tourists. Hotel prices in Malaysia may increase by 30% due to a rise in the Sales and Services Tax, excluding food and beverages or telecommunications. Consumers are expected to pay higher room rates. Sri Lanka anticipates its best tourism year in 2024, with exceeding arrival and revenue targets for this year. Plans to accommodate higher arrivals include expanding accommodation in Colombo and other areas.

STR reported strong hotel performance in China, with an 88.7% year-over-year increase in RevPAR for the week ending October 28th. The region is showing signs of rapid post-pandemic recovery, reaching occupancy levels similar to Europe and America. Macau recorded over 22.72 million visitor arrivals, with a recent increase in daily arrivals, and the first 10 months of the year reaching 68% of 2019 levels. Various hotel-related developments and partnerships were announced by brands like IHG, Accor, and CapitaLand Ascott Trust across Asia, including new property openings, divestments, and expansions, highlighting continued growth in the region's hospitality industry.

Phuket's hotel market saw strong growth in the first half of 2023, driven by increased flight volumes, with Russia and China as top tourism markets, and higher room rates post-pandemic. Accor anticipates a surge in hotel conversions due to stricter lending rules, leading to more independent Thai hotel owners seeking franchising, rebranding, or conversion opportunities. Macau plans to invest in attracting foreign tourists but faces challenges due to airport expansion. Wyndham opens its first Wyndham Grand hotel in South Korea, and S Hotels and Resorts launches SO/Maldives in the CROSSROADS Maldives.