Singapore's Marina Bay Sands Is Getting Even Bigger

Cambodia welcomed 4.8 million foreign tourists in the first nine months of 2024, up 22% from 2023, close to pre-pandemic levels. Visitors from Thailand topped the list, followed by Vietnam, China, Laos and the US. In 2023, Cambodia received 5.45 million international tourists generating gross revenue of US$3.08 billion.

The Macau Statistics and Census Service said visitor arrivals grew by 9.9% year on year in September to 2,528,011. That was 91.4% of September 2019 visitor arrivals. Mainland China visitation was up 9.7% to 1,743,695. International arrivals rose by 37.6% year on year to 173,614, recovering to 92.7% of September 2019 levels, Korea led the way with 39,890 arrivals, up 79% year on year. For the first nine months of 2024, Macau’s visitor arrivals were up 30.1% to 25,920,914 which was 85.8% of the same period in 2019.

Las Vegas Sands increased their budget in Singapore for the Marina Bay Sands expansion to US$8 billion. They described the project for the fourth tower as an entirely new development as opposed to the basic expansion of the MBS property. Marina Bay Sands IR2 was described as a tower with its own casino amenities including a main casino area in the podium plus “sky gaming” in the new tower as well as 570 luxury suites, a 15,000-seat arena, 110,000 square feet of MICE space, its own SkyPark and high-end F&B. The original plan was for a US$3.3 billion expansion. Construction is expected to begin by June of next year with an opening date of January 1, 2031. 65% to 75% of the project will be financed with LVS contributing between 25% and 35% of the cost directly. The ongoing US$750 million investment into upgrading MBS Tower 3 is due for completion by 2Q25. The renovation will include redesigned rooms and suites, a lobby and VIP arrival renovation, additional dining and F&B options, and spa and wellness facilities.

Galaxy Macau announced the grand opening of Raffles at Galaxy Macau. The property has approximately 450 suites, an array of world-class dining options and the Raffles Long Bar making its debut as the world’s first speakeasy version. This is the largest destination within Accor’s Raffles brand portfolio. With the addition of this property, Galaxy Macau now has eight hotels featuring over 5,000 rooms and suites.

Onyx Hospitality Group said it wants to continue to build on the success of its Shama serviced apartments brand. It now features more than 2,500 units across 20 locations with Thailand’s Shama inventory growing by 200% over the past five years. ONYX plans to launch ‘Shama Hub’ in Thailand, an extension of the Shama brand that focuses on integrating accommodation with lifestyle. Recently a contract was signed to manage Shama Rayong in Thailand, set to open in 2027. It will be the sixth serviced apartment under the Shama brand in the Kingdom.

Ananda in the Himalayas recently unveiled the latest additions to its luxury accommodations along with a series of stylish renovations to several of the property’s premier suites. They will be celebrating their 25th anniversary in 2025. With the completion of the latest additions and renovations, the wellness retreat located on 100 acres of grounds and gardens in the Himalayan foothills now offers 64 rooms, 3 villas and 8 suites. Deluxe Suites is their new room category, with the two of them overlooking the serene Rishikesh valley or Maharaja’s gardens, offering a private balcony. The redesign project also included refurbishments to the property’s Ananda Suite and Viceregal Suite.

Accor announced the signing of Mercure Nha Trang, set to open in late 2025. This is Accor’s ninth hotel deal in Vietnam this year as they try to strengthen their footprint in the country. Mercure Nha Trang is located on Tran Phu Street and will offer 124 guestrooms with ocean views. Amenities will include an all-day dining restaurant, a bar lounge, fitness center, spa and versatile meeting spaces.

Chinzai Watch reported Nintendo filed a number of applications for Class 43 trademarks in Japan, covering hotel and restaurant services.

The Aerotel Shanghai Pudong Airport Hotel is slated to open in the second quarter of 2025. The property will feature 82 hotel rooms, marking Aerotel’s debut in Shanghai and a major step in the expansion of Plaza Premium Group in Greater China following lounge openings in Macau and Chongqing. Aerotel is teaming up with Shanghai Airport (Group) Co. Ltd. on the Aerotel brand’s 11th global property and third in Mainland China. Its addition to Terminal 2 of Pudong International Airport will offer not only premium accommodations but also flexible booking options for short stays.

Mohegan Gaming & Entertainment held an investor day and they gave details on the ramping of their Mohegan Inspire Entertainment Resort in Incheon, South Korea. Mohegan said their mass-market and premium-mass gaming table drop has nearly tripled since opening in February from US$30.3 million in February to US$85.2 million by August. Casino visits were up 185.3% between February and August to 30,729 and hotel occupancy rose from 58.3% to 89.7%.

Hyatt Hotels announced the grand opening of Hyatt Regency Huangshan Hengjiangwan, a contemporary retreat nestled in the scenic Huangshan city of China. The hotel is located in the heart of Anhui Province and includes 250 guest rooms and suites with private balconies. There are Regency Club rooms giving access to the lounge and for everyone there are three dining options available. The hotel offers 12,389 square feet of versatile indoor event space along with an outdoor venue featuring pavilions and tea gardens. An indoor swimming pool, fitness center and kids’ playground rounds out the amenities.