STR reported China hotel data for the week ended September 9th. China hotel RevPAR was up 58.1% year-over-year, up against a decline of -12.3% in the year-ago week. Compared with the same week in 2019, RevPAR was up 10.3%.
The Hong Kong Tourism Board said HK recorded preliminary visitor arrivals of about 4.1 million in August, representing a 14% increase from July results. That is equivalent to 84% of the pre-pandemic level. Over 20 million visitor arrivals were recorded from January to August. Impacting the results and pace of the recovery are currency exchange rates, airline capacity, and a continued weak global economic outlook. August results, as usual, were driven by mainland visitation of 3,434,022.
Hong Kong-based Wharf Hotels announced the launch of Maqo. The new premium lifestyle brand further diversifies Wharf Hotels’ portfolio. This also fulfills a key milestone of the Group’s “25 by 2025” vision to increase its portfolio to 25 by 2025. Maqo is a sister brand to the Niccolo Hotels and premium Marco Polo Hotels. Maqo encompasses the ethos of “more is not better, only better is better” and describes itself as stylish and edgy. Maqo is said to be for those who want to connect and are attracted by the brand’s edited experiences. The brand’s inaugural hotel will be in Changsha, China. Maqo Changsha will launch on November 1, 2023. While Wharf Hotels has Niccolo Changsha in Tower One of International Finance Square, Maqo Changsha will be in Tower Two with 286 well-appointed rooms and suites, a restaurant, bar, co-working space, and a gym. As for Wharf’s “25 by 2025” plans, they’re looking to deliver new experiences with premium and luxury hotels in key Asian destinations such as Singapore, Shanghai, Tokyo, and Bangkok. Wharf Hotels also plans to complement its portfolio with luxury newly built Niccolo Resorts and Residences. The Prince Hotel, Hong Kong of the Marco Polo Hotels brand has also recently reopened after a three-year refurbishment.
Marriott International signed a Hotel Management Agreement with Indonesian real estate developer PT Pakuwon Jati Tbk. to open three properties in Indonesia’s new capital city, Ibu Kota Negara Nusantara. Nusantara is planned as a smart forest city, in line with Indonesia’s commitment to achieve zero carbon emissions and 100% new and renewable energy by 2060. Marriott expects to debut three brands – Four Points by Sheraton, Westin Hotels & Resorts, and Tribute Portfolio in the destination. The Four Points by Sheraton in Nusantara is expected to be the first to open with 300 rooms, an outdoor pool, function spaces, and a gym. The Westin in Nusantara will have 200 rooms and suites, three restaurants, three bars and lounges, function spaces, meeting rooms, a swimming pool, WestinWorkou Fitness Studio, Heavenly Spa by Westin, and The Westin Kids Club. The Tribute portfolio in Nusantara will include 150 rooms and suites, a signature destination dining venue, a café, a pool bar, a lobby lounge, an outdoor swimming pool, a gym, and a spa.
The latest offering from The Ascott Limited Australia, Citadines Walker, boasts the highest room count in North Sydney. The 252-room Citadines Walker North Sydney occupies 19 levels of the 88 Walker St development, the tallest tower in North Sydney. Level 5 houses reception and a guest lounge, while Level 6 includes a Fitness Center with floor-to-ceiling windows and a business center with a boardroom and workstations. A restaurant lounge and bar offering is set to open on Level 5 next year. Their modern accommodation mix includes stylish studio rooms and spacious suites with separate living rooms and kitchenettes. Citadines Walker is a key part of revitalizing the North Sydney CBD, strategically located adjacent to the upcoming Victoria Cross metro station, which will connect North Sydney with Barangaroo in three minutes and Martin Place in five. Citadines Walker is the second Citadines Hotel to be opened in NSW and fourth in the Australian market.
CBRE is managing the potential sale of the Adina Apartment Hotel and Akara Hotel in the CBD in Perth. The Adina Apartment Hotel comprises 100 large, serviced strata apartments, including the strata lot of the Drunk Elephant Bar and Bistro, operated under a lease agreement with Toga Far East, an international hotel operator. The Akara Hotel has 39 dorm rooms and is currently owner-operated with vacant possession.
The Department of Tourism, Government of Nagaland in India, and Hotel Polo Towers Group signed a lease agreement to develop a 4/5 star or high-category hotel with entertainment and retail facilities at Dimapur Tourist Lodge Dimapur and New Millennium, Kohima. Both projects would be realized under a Public-Private Partnership model and will operate on a Design, Build, Maintain, Operate, Manage, and Transfer basis. The Dimapur facility will feature top-of-the-line accommodations, multiple dining venues, entertainment centers, and retail shops. The Kohima project will focus on providing an unparalleled luxury hotel experience to serve both business and leisure travelers.
ITC Ltd., which recently announced the demerger of its hotels business, has made an equity investment of around Rs 3,000 crore in Welcomhotels Lanka Pvt Ltd. ITC invested US$20 million in Welcomhotels Lanka Pvt Ltd equity. The Sri Lankan property is spread across 5.86 acres of prime sea-facing land in Colombo, including a luxury hotel and a super-premium residential apartment complex – Sapphire Residences. The property includes 352 rooms, suites, serviced apartments, and 12 restaurants. The hotel is expected to be completed this year, according to ITC’s website.
Details are sketchy on whether they were kicked out or are leaving voluntarily, but Caesars Palace Dubai will be Banyan Tree Dubai in November 2023. Accor Group said their Ennismore and Banyan Tree Group units signed a deal with Dubai Holdings. The multi-staged project on Bluewaters will welcome new brands to Dubai, starting with the Banyan Tree Dubai opening. The phased stage of brand-related improvements will result in a repositioned resort with 179 rooms, including 30 suites and a brand-new four-bedroom villa with a private entrance, pool, and beach. The key focal point of the resort will be its wellness offering with the signature Banyan Tree Spa featuring its reception, relaxation area, gym, indoor and outdoor yoga spaces, dedicated F&B space, private mini-rainforests, hydrotherapy pools, and treatment rooms. The resort will have five restaurants and bars.
