Hilton's Asia-Pacific Ambition
Skift Take
- Hilton’s Asia Pacific president, Alan Watts, told Nikkei Asia that they expect hotel guest numbers in China to return to their pre-pandemic levels by year-end.
- The Macau Daily Times said they are being told the recent spike in hotel room prices in Macau is driving international visitors away.
- SJM Holdings Ltd said they plan to launch the remainder of the hotel room inventory at its Grand Lisboa Palace on Cotai in Macau within the next quarter.
Hilton’s Asia Pacific president, Alan Watts, told Nikkei Asia that they expect hotel guest numbers in China to return to their pre-pandemic levels by year-end. By the fourth quarter, they are expecting to see regular 80% occupancies. Of the 7,000 hotels Hilton runs worldwide, Asia Pacific accounts for about 9% with 672 properties representing 12 brands. They have more than 500 hotels in China. By 2025, Hilton hopes to have 1,000 hotels operating in Asia Pacific. Outside of China, Hilton is focusing on emerging markets like India and Southeast Asia, including Vietnam, Thailand and Malaysia. They see opportunity at all tiers but particularly in luxury brands and entry-level hotels on the back of rising wealth and the increase in travel among younger people, both domestically and overseas. Hilton is expanding its Waldorf Astoria luxury brand, set to open its first hotel in Kuala Lumpur in 2024 and in Hanoi the following year. Watts does not expect Asia to re
