Sydney

A new report says that hotel franchising is rapidly expanding in Southeast Asia, providing local hotel owners significant growth opportunities despite market challenges.

China introduces new measures to enhance travel flexibility and document processing for mainland citizens visiting Macau and Hong Kong, effective May 6.

Japan's hotel industry experienced significant growth in 2023, achieving top global tourist destination status, with a rebound in foreign visits and high investment despite not reaching 2019 levels.

Accor plans to expand its Indian portfolio by introducing 30 new hotels, adding 5,500 rooms over the next 3-5 years, and is set to open luxury hotels including Sofitel Jaipur Jawahar Circle and Raffles Jaipur.

In February 2024, major Indian hotel markets experienced near double-digit ADR growth and slightly higher occupancy rates, with notable increases in Hyderabad and Goa despite occupancy dips, and overall performance surpassing February 2019 levels.

Hilton aims to triple its India portfolio to 75 hotels in three to four years, expanding into emerging markets like Ayodhya and introducing luxury brands, with a focus on tier-I markets and the growing wedding segment.

Cambodia's tourism, rebounding to 82.5% of 2019 levels in 2023, aims to boost Chinese visitation, focusing on initiatives including potential mutual visa-free policies and increased flights.

In 2024, the Maldives surpassed 500,000 visitors, led by China as the top source, followed by Russia, Italy, and the UK, with an average stay of 7.8 days.

Berjaya Land Bhd plans to expand its presence in Japan by developing at least ten Four Seasons hotels and resorts, starting with the groundbreaking for the Four Seasons Resort & Private Residences Okinawa.

Hyatt Hotels said they plan to expand their footprint in India by opening seven new hotels and adding 1,115 keys across leisure and city destinations in 2024.