According to the Maldives Ministry of Tourism, they have already seen a 6.4% year-over-year increase in tourist arrivals with Russia, Italy, India, the UK, and Germany the top contributors. The report was that the Maldives has seen 50,983 tourists in the first 9 days of the year with Russia leading the way providing 7,601 of them. While it is now 9 days later and a distinct absence of Indian tourists, this may not be such a wise choice to announce this given everyone will be wanting to see the impact of the India situation.
The Macao Government Tourism Office said they expect a daily average of 120,000 visitors to the city in the eight days of the mainland’s Chinese New Year, beginning February 10. So far in January they have seen 80,000 visitors a day during the week and over 100,000 on weekends. With 114,000 daily arrivals during the Christmas season, that 120,000 visitors a day during a real holiday that the MGTO is predicting may, once again, prove conservative.
Ascott Limited said since the acquisition of Oakwood Worldwide in 2H22, they have expanded Oakwood’s presence to 48 cities, entering new destinations including Busan in South Korea, Batam and Bali in Indonesia, Penang and Kota Kinabalu in Malaysia, Visakhapatnam, Chennai, and Navi Mumbai in India as well as Ha Long in Vietnam. With nearly 18,000 units to date, the Oakwood portfolio have grown by more than 20% post-acquisition, making it one of the fastest growing global brands in the Ascott portfolio with over 20 new signings since the acquisition. Oakwood properties have been onboarded to Ascott’s loyalty programs; global sales and marketing platforms; revenue and distribution network; digital and technology systems as well as integrated with functions in Ascott’s ecosystem. Ascott said by enhancing its conversion-friendly value proposition, Ascott has won over new contracts of properties managed by other operations and expeditiously transitioned them to operate under the Oakwood brand. This is helping Ascott move toward its goal of getting to more than S$500 million in recurring fee income by 2028.
Hilton announced the grand opening of its landmark 600th hotel in the Greater China region, Hilton Nanjing Niushoushan. Hilton said they have 600 hotels in operation across 200 destinations and 10 distinct brands in the Greater China region, each tailored to meet the diverse needs of travelers. Hilton has opened 100 hotels there annually over the past four years. The 600th hotel, the Hilton Nanjing Niushoushan, offers 381 guest rooms including private balconies to admire the varying seasonal landscapes of Niushou Mountain. The hotel features a reception lobby, 1,350 square meter pillarless banquet hall, indoor kids’ club and diverse dining options. Hilton said their growth in China has been driven by a mix of operating models ranging from managed, franchised, and Master License Agreements, significantly expanding the reach of Hilton Garden Inn, Hampton by Hilton, and Home2 Suites by Hilton. In nine years, Hampton by Hilton has established over 320 hotels in China. Home2 Suites by Hilton, in three years, has opened over 40 properties. Their franchise model, proven successful with Hilton Garden Inn, is now being extended to full-serve brand DoubleTree by Hilton.
Las Vegas Sands’ Marina Bay Sands in Singapore’s expansion plans received another increase. Marina Bay Sands said they launched the second phase of its significant reinvestment program. Estimated at US$750 million, the second phase will focus on Tower 3, the Hotel Lobby, and Sands SkyPark. It will include a reimagined VIP arrival experience, new premium dining and retail offerings, a lobby transformation as well as a renewed focus on wellness experience for guests. More than 550 redesigned hotel rooms, including 380 suites, will be introduced in this phase. Completion is expected in phases through 2025. This is part of a multi-year program to strengthen the positioning of the IR as a leader in the luxury hospitality industry. Marina Bay Sands is entering the final stage of its US$1 billion first phase reinvestment which focused on the complete refurbishment of Hotel Towers 1 and 2, in addition to new dining offerings and luxury lifestyle amenities. The expanded reinvestment program will total US$1.75 billion. Phase one upgraded around 1,280 rooms across Towers 1 and 2 of which 390 are new suites. The rooms are housed under The Paiza Collection and The Sands Collection categories. In February the Paiza Sky Club will open on the 55th floor of Tower 2. Once the transformation of all three towers is complete, guests will have 1,850 luxuriously refurbished rooms to choose from, including nearly 770 suites.
Hyatt Hotels Corporation announced an agreement between a Hyatt affiliate and City Hotel Limited to transform Hyatt Place Kathmandu into the planned Hyatt Centric Soalteemode Kathmandu. This will fully rebrand the hotel in the first Hyatt Centric in the country. The rebrand will come with a renovated entrance and lobby area, a unique sky bar and lounge, and enhanced amenities. The property is located near the city center. Hyatt’s current portfolio in India and Southwest Asia consists of 47 properties with 45 in India and two in Nepal. The hotel group spans eight distinct brands including Alila, Andaz, Grand Hyatt, Hyatt, Hyatt Centric, Hyatt Place, Hyatt Regency, and Park Hyatt.
AREIT Inc., led by Ayala, announced the completion of the acquisition of the 153 room Seda Lio resort in El Nido, Palawan in the Philippines. The deal is worth P1.19 billion and was made with Econorth Resorts Ventures Inc, a unit of Ayala Land. AREIT will receive a guaranteed building lease for a duration of 25 years starting in April 2023.
Banyan Group said they will launch a hotel and resort project in Cambodia this year. The resort will be known as Angsana Siem Reap, under the group’s Angsana brand. The resort is expected to open in the third quarter of 2024, located in downtown Siem Reap.
Pan Pacific Hotels Group is opening Parkroyal Serviced Suites Jakarta this month. The 180 serviced apartments are a mix of studios and one and two-bedroom suites. They will span the 73rd to 82nd floors of the 95-story Luminary Tower in the Thamrin Nine mixed-use development in Jakarta’s CBD, owned by Putragaya Wahana. The development includes a shopping mall, Grade A office spaces, the Parkroyal Serviced Suites, the Pan Pacific Hotel, and the Waldorf Astoria Hotel.
Ennismore announced the opening of SO/ Maldives. The luxurious 15-acre enclave is located a 15-minute speedboat ride from Male Velana International Airport. There are 80 Overwater and Beachfront Villas are available for guests as well as dining experiences and a wellness camp. The accommodations include one to three bedrooms and eight categories. The villas come with a private pool and deck. They include the 120 square meter Lagoon Water Pool Villa Collection and 410 square meter Three Bedroom Ocean Water Pool Atelier. Rounding this out is the 238 square meter Family Beach Pool Villa with Capsule which includes adjoining sleep pods for younger travelers and multi-generational groups.
