Vietnam

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.

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.

In Q2 2023, the Asia Pacific hotel construction pipeline reached a record high of 1,936 projects with 401,766 rooms. Luxury, upper upscale, and upscale projects dominated the pipeline. Countries with the largest pipelines are India, Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia, and Japan. Macau has surpassed Hong Kong as the preferred travel destination for mainland Chinese travelers in 2023, receiving nearly twice as many visitors. Around 50.9% of outbound Chinese travelers chose Macau, while Hong Kong received about 26.7%. Mainland Chinese tourists prefer destinations in East Asia and Southeast Asia. Accor is expanding its hotel offerings. They are introducing the Handwritten Collection in Thailand with the Andaman Beach Hotel Phuket, opening a Mercure hotel in Lucknow, India, and launching Lords Inn hotels in Jamnagar, Gujarat, and Kanki, West Bengal. Accor has also partnered with Reliance Industries and Renest Hotels & Resorts for new properties.

China's hotel RevPAR rose 44.3% in a week, compared to a strong 89.7% rise a year ago. RevPAR also increased by 12.3% compared to 2019. Vietnam's flexible economy attracts investors despite short-term challenges. M&A deals increased, supported by lowered interest rates, with a positive medium-term outlook. Macao's daily visitor arrivals exceeded expectations in August, reaching 139,000 in a day. Hotel occupancy rates rebounded, hosting numerous MICE events, and a new Andaz hotel is set to open.

Foreign investors like Goldman Sachs, KKR, and Blackstone have invested $2 billion in Japanese hotel deals this year, driven by a hotel business rebound and favorable exchange rates. Hilton plans substantial growth in Southeast Asia, introducing a new Hilton Garden Inn prototype and adding seven new hotels in Malaysia, including new brands like Curio Collection and Waldorf Astoria. Accor expands across Asia with 30 new hotels, focusing on markets like Japan, Vietnam, Indonesia, and India, while also partnering to introduce the Swissotel brand to Malaysia with Swissotel Genting Highlands.

China has a hotel construction pipeline of 3,666 projects with 678,965 rooms. Mid-level upscale and upper midscale projects are active. Hilton, IHG, and Marriott lead the franchise companies. Vietnam's luxury hotel supply grew 6.2% in H1 2023, with 235 five-star and 354 four-star hotels. The country served 4.3 million overnight visitors. Accor plans 10+ new hotels in India and supports unbranded hotels with the Cozzet Collection.

Vietnam's condotel market remains sluggish with excess inventory, unlikely to recover before 2025. Grand Ho Tram Strip casino resort introduces Ixora Ho Tram Fusion luxury residences to boost sales. Guangdong , China experiences high visa applications for Macau and Hong Kong due to increased tourism.

China hotel industry shows strong rebound: RevPAR up 36.9%, surpassing pre-pandemic levels by 5.4%. Hong Kong hotels attract investors with discounts up to 30%, driven by cash-rich buyers seeking business district properties. Vietnam's tourism recovery gains momentum: July international arrivals tripled compared to last year, reaching 79% of 2019 levels.

Chinese investors are shifting their focus from New York City hotels due to hostility towards Chinese capital. Radisson Hotel Group has achieved significant growth in the Asia Pacific and Europe, Middle East, and Africa regions with over 100 hotel openings and signings, particularly in Vietnam, India, Thailand, the Philippines, and China. Several major hotel companies, such as Sands China, Dharampal Satyapal Group, ITC Ltd., Accor, and Hilton, are making significant expansions, acquisitions, and rebranding efforts across Asia.

Radisson Hotel Group expands its portfolio in the Asia Pacific region, adding over 60 hotels in Vietnam , India , Thailand , the Philippines , and China . IHG Hotels & Resorts introduces Vignette Collection to Phnom Penh , Cambodia, with the upcoming opening of Vignette Collection Phnom Penh Odom, following the success of Six Senses Krabey Island. Hilton opens Conrad Shenzhen in China's Qianhai business district, featuring 300 rooms and providing elevated luxury accommodations in the city's financial center.