Thailand Plans to Double Passenger Capacity by 2032

China said they would extend visa-free entry to citizens from nine additional countries, including South Korea, Norway and Finland. Starting November 8th, nationals from these countries, which also includes Slovakia, Denmark, Iceland, Andorra, Monaco and Liechtenstein, will be allowed to enter China for business tourism, family visits or transit for up to 15 days without a visa. The policy will be in effect through December 31, 2025.

Thailand plans to double passenger capacity across six major airports by 2032 with an investment of at least US$2.86 billion to support anticipated tourism growth. Nikkei Asia said the combined annual passenger capacity of Bangkok's two main airports, along with airports in Phuket, Hat Yai, Chiang Mai, and Chiang Rai is expected to reach at least 246.5 million by 2032, up from 116 million this past July.

Property Perfect Plc, located in Thailand, announced the same of the Hyatt Regency Sukhumvit Hotel for 5.055 billion baht. The sale is part of Property Perfect's strategic plan to strengthen its financial position and reduce debt. The hotel is owned by their Grand Asset Hotels & Property with the proceeds from the sale to be used to repay loans and debentures, significantly reducing the company's debt burden and interest expenses. Loans to financial institution paid will total 3.5 billion baht as well as 620 million baht in debentures. Property Perfect will still own four hotels after the sale, including the Royal Orchid Sheraton, the Westin Grande Sukhumvit, Sheraton Hua Hin Resort & Spa and Sheraton Hua Hin Pranburi Villas. The company plans to commence construction of the Amatara Whale Resort Rayong in 2026, a five-star resort that will include luxury rooms, convention halls and wellness facilities.

ROX Group, formerly TNG Holdings Vietnam, and Hilton recently signed a cooperation agreement to develop mid-range hotels in Vietnam. The partnership with Hilton is expected to help ROX Group expand its network of partners in the hotel accommodation service sector. Previously ROX Group collaborated with Accor and Ennismore in the sector. ROX Group entered the hotel and resort sector nine years ago with the establishment of TNH Hotels & Resorts.

The private Travellers Group in Australia, run by a team including former UBS co-head of equity capital markets Alex Dignam, has purchased the former Byng Street Boutique Hotel in the NSW center of Orange. The start-up accommodation group is backed by the deep-pocketed Wattlestone Group and has acquired the property as part of its regional hotel strategy. The group is led by ex-area GM of Minor Hotels, Mr Dignam and the partnership with Wattlestone, a private investment group owned by Queensland businessman, Andrew Northcott. HTL Property brokered the sale for the seller, Denoc Holdings Pty Ltd. The Byng Street Boutique Hotel will relaunch under a new name in December. The hotel comprises 22 upscale rooms and suites, spanning across the property's original heritage wing to the architecturally designed contemporary extension.

The Bali International Convention Centre, managed by The Westin Resort Nusa Dua, Bali and one of Bali's most prestigious convention and event venues, announced the completion of extensive renovations, further positioning at as a leading choice for MICE in Bali. The latest refurbishment enhances BICC's standing as a key player in the Bali MICE hotel and convention scene. The newly refurbished Mangupura Hall has undergone significant upgrades, including modern wall panels, LED installations on both sides of the existing stage, and a sleek, upgraded stage design. The entire venue now features artistic enhancements. Nusantara Hall, BICC's second largest venue, now includes premium tiled flooring in its foyer and a new carpet and lighting system. Jakarta Hall received similar upgrades.

Accor announced the signing of Sofitel Sapa Hotel & Residences, the first international luxury hotel brand in the highlands of Vietnam. The new property will be located in the mountainous province of Lao Cai and will be a combination of 176 rooms and 436 branded residences when it opens in 2030. Accor signed the deal with developer/owner Alphanam Group.

TA Global Bhd announced a 60% take-up rate for the first tower (Tower A) of its Amaya Residences serviced apartment in the Damansara Avenue mixed-use development in Bandar Sri Damansara, Selangor in Malaysia. The serviced apartment has a gross development value of RM1 billion. Amaya Residences will have 1,268 units spread over 68 stories of Tower A and Tower B. Amaya Residences is part of Ativo Annexe, a 15-acre mixed-use development located within a bigger 48-acre Damansara Avenue master plan. Within Ativo Annexe there will be residential towers, corporate offices, a 420,000-square-foot retail mall named DA Central Mall, an international hotel, and a wellness hub.

Royal Orchid Hotels Limited launched its new Regenta Place Gwalior in Madhya Pradesh today, the third establishment in the state. The 39-room hotel, located 7 kilometers from the city's transport hub and 20 kilometers from the airport, targets both business and leisure travelers. The property features three room categories ranging from 250 to 320 square feet, along with amenities including an all-day dining restaurant, a poolside bar lounge, and conference facilities. The rooms offer views of the Gwalior Fort.

Personnel Moves

The Clarks Hotels & Resorts announced the appointment of Om Dubey as its Director of Development. Dubey will be spearheading an ambitious initiative to expand the brand's portfolio through strategic property acquisitions across India. The move is part of the group's larger vision to establish itself as a leader in the Indian hospitality industry by 2025.