Japan and China Lead Global Hotel Investment Surge

Japan and China are emerging as top destinations for global hotel investments, driven by strong travel demand, economic optimism and promising returns for investors. Analysts are saying hotels are emerging as a top choice for global investors as the appetite for travel remains strong despite ongoing economic challenges with Japan said to be leading the pack with both hoteliers and investors identifying the country as the prime destination for hotel investments. Key drivers behind this surge in hotel investments include the potential for higher returns, price corrections, distressed assets and a lower cost of capital. Nearly 75% of surveyed investors expressed a strong interest in opportunistic and value-added hotel assets this year. While Japan has solidified their position as top target for hotel investments, China remains on the radar of major players. Radisson Hotels was named as one while Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group was singled out with the opening of the Mandarin Oriental Qianmen, marking its second hotel in Beijing.

Macau’s Statistics and Census Service said Macau’s hotel sector recorded a gross profit of nearly MOP8.16 billion (US$1.02 billion) in 2023, with five star hotel contributing 72% of the total or MOP5.88 billion. Four star hotels generated a surplus of nearly MOP1.13 billion with three star hotels contributing MOP1.06 billion. Receipts from two star hotels surged by more than 300% year over year to MOP95 million. Five star and three star hotels saw 150% growth. The total number of establishments in 2023 in Macau rose by 12 to 145 year over year. The sector’s total receipts were up 136.4% to MOP37.93 billion. Expenses rose by 41.1% to MOP29.84 billion.

The Mid-Autumn Festival holiday took place in mainland China, resulting in 217,816 visitors to Macau over the weekend. It started Sunday and runs through tomorrow but Saturday showed 92,502 visitors arrivals, jumping to 125,314 on Sunday.

Marriott International’s JW Marriott brand unveiled its first property in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam with the opening of JW Marriott Hotel & Suites Saigon. The 565 key, dual tower property is nestled within District 1, the city’s commercial and cultural hub. The hotel is comprised of two separate towers; the 21 story hotel tower with 305 rooms and suites and the 31 story residential tower which houses 260 one to three bedroom residential suites. The hotel offers 1,200 square meters of conference and banquet space, including a grand ballroom. There is an elevated outdoor pool, fitness center and SPA by JW. For foodies, there are five dining destinations described as being designed for every occasion.

Vietnam Joint Stock Commercial Bank for Industry and Trade – VietinBank Hoi An branch announced they have been selected to organize the auction of the collateral assets of Hoi An Silk Hotel Company Limited. The assets to be auctioned are the land use rights and the attached hotel building, along with all equipment serving the business operations of the hotel. Silkotel Hoi An Hotel is located at plot number 123, map sheet number 30, black 3, Cam Pho ward, Hoi An city, Quang Nam province. The starting price for the auction is 240 billion VND. Silkotel Hoi An is a four star hotel with 92 rooms, a swimming pool, spa, restaurant and bar.

Banyan Group is expanding in East China with the opening of three resorts, blending luxury, cultural richness and beauty at Yangcheng Lake and Xianju. The company announced the launch of the 70 rooms/villas Banyan Tree Yangcheng Lake, 210 rooms/suites Garrya Yangcheng Lake, and 195 room Garrya Xianju. The Yangcheng Lake resort complex marks a key addition to Banyan Group’s presence in the Yangtze River Delta. Banyan Tree Yangcheng Lake offers private hot spring pools on the terraces and a Banyan Tree Spa is the heart of the resort. Garrya Yangcheng Lake includes the 8LEMENTS Spa while the Garrya Xianju is the first Banyan Group resort in Taizhou, also including an 8LEMENTS Spa along with other amenities.

Pan Pacific Perth has completed a renovation project, covering its rooms and suites in the main tower and convention floor. Situated on the Adelaide Terrace in Perth, Western Australia, the five star hotel has 392 newly refurbished rooms and suites, along with a variety of meeting and event spaces. The hotel includes their signature restaurants and bars. While the transformation of their main tower has been completed, the hotel’s lobby is undergoing final touches in preparation for the relaunch.

IHG Hotels & Resorts announced a new partnership with Hang Lung Group for its Luxury & Lifestyle brand, Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants. Scheduled to open by the end of 2026, the upcoming Kimpton Xujiahui Shanghai will be located at the Grand Gateway 66. IHG said the new addition will bridge a gap in the luxury hotel market in Xujiahui commercial hub. The Grand Gateway 66 Serviced Apartment will be transformed into Kimpton Xujiahui Shanghai. The hotel will feature 149 guest rooms, complemented by a rooftop garden, outdoor terrace and swimming pool.

Langham Hospitality Group is gearing up for a massive expansion, revealing plans to grow to over 100 hotels with a heavy concentration across Asia. The Hong Kong-based company has 32 hotels in operation globally. They expect to have 50 hotels in China alone with that expansion to be led largely by the group’s upper-upscale Cordis Hotels and Resorts brand, as well as its limited-service Ying’nFlo concept which currently has two locations in Hong Kong. The company’s flagship Langham Hotels and Resorts luxury brand is in expansion mode, most recently announcing The Langham Customs House Bangkok. The property is set to be located along the Chao Phraya River in the Thai capital’s Bang Rak district, scheduled to open in 2026. Additionally, the Langham brand plans to debut The Langham Venice on the island of Murano in 2027 and The Langham Diriyah, in downtown Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, by 2029. Langham Hospitality Group is also close to finalizing projects in Tokyo; Kuala Lumpur: and Seoul and Busan, South Korea. The company is also looking to expand its Eaton concept. In addition to existing Eaton hotels in Washington, D.C. and Hong Kong, the company is in talks to bring the socially conscious lifestyle brand to cities including London, Sydney and Bangkok.