More Foreign Bands Expected to Increase Philippines Presence

STR reported China hotel data for the week ended November 23. China Hotel RevPAR was down -2.7%. It was up against a +46.5% comp in the same week a year earlier. For the past week, ADR was down -2.9% while China hotel occupancy was up 0.2%.

Colliers Philippines’ latest market intelligence report suggests local hotel developers should explore further partnerships with foreign brands amid the expected resurgence of the country’s tourism industry. Colliers believes the hospitality sector would continue to benefit from the tourism segment’s rebound and the modernization of the country’s airports. Outside of Metro Manila, they see the opening of more foreign-branded hotels in major tourist destinations such as Cebu, Pampanga, Subic, Bohol, and Cagayan de Oro. The report said this is the best time for foreign brands to expand their presence in the country given the planned modernization of the country’s international airports and the projected rise in international arrivals.

Taiwan’s Tourism Administration said the average occupancy rate of Taiwan’s hotel fell by -1.51 percentage points in the first nine months of the year from a year earlier. Average hotel room rates trended lower by -1.01% from a year earlier in the period. The agency cited lower foreign currency exchange rates which led to more Taiwanese travelers going abroad, driving down demand for hotel rooms and hotel rates. In the nine-month period, the average hotel occupancy rate in Taiwan stood at 48.33%, down from 49.84% over the same period last year. Average hotel room prices fell NT$30 to NT$2,943.

Marriott Hotels announced the opening of Khao Lak Marriott Beach Resort & Spa, marking its debut in Khao Lak. The resort is steps from the Bang-Lut Beach and Andaman Sea, in a prime location on Thailand’s southwest coast. Phuket International Airport is a 90-minute drive from the resort. The low-rise retreat includes 283 rooms, suites, and villas, ranging from 50 to 124 square meters in size, equipped with private balconies. Many of the ground floor rooms and suites offer direct access to the resort’s lagoon pools. The Greatroom, Marriott Hotels’ take on the lobby space, is the heart and soul of the resort, something that transitions seamlessly from day to night for socialization and meetups. It includes the Greatroom & Bar, part of the seven restaurants and bars that guests have a choice of. There is also a choice of pools, a water playground and kid’s club, beachfront activities including yoga, and more. Wellness facilities include the Quan Spa and fitness center.

Hilton announced the opening of The Motley Hotel Richmond, joining the Tapestry Collection by Hilton brand. This marks the debut of the brand in Australia, located in Melbourne. The hotel has 80 bespoke rooms and an array of amenities. Ms Parker and Threads Rooftop Bar delivers Melbourne dining and drinking experiences.

TFE Hotels announced the establishment of a New Zealand Country Office off the back of a multi-property management agreement with Heritage Hotels. The agreement resulted in five hotels from Heritage Hotels joining their global network on December 1. Warwick Kahl will lead the team as Director of Operations, NZ. Under the agreement, Heritage Hotels retains ownership of its portfolio in New Zealand but TFE Hotels will manage more than 500 rooms across five properties, including the Adina Citylife Auckland and Rendezvous Heritage Auckland. The Adina CityLife Wellington will give TFE an apartment-style accommodation offering in the capital while in the south, Adinawill establish a brand presence in Christchurch with the Adina Heritage Christchurch. Rounding out the offering will be the 175-room Rendezvous Heritage Queenstown.

Australian hospitality company EVT announced a new hotel management agreement with RF Corval and will take over the operations of Sherwood Hotel in Queenstown, New Zealand. RF Corval recently purchased the hotel and plans additional investments at the property, beginning with hotel room upgrades to elevate its offerings. This follows EVT taking over the operations of Alex Hotel in Perth, Western Australia back in August.

IHG Hotels & Resorts announced the launch of its new lifestyle brand, Atwell Suites, in Greater China. The hotel was officially unveiled on November 22.

IHG also announced the inclusion of The Windsor Hotel TOYA Resort & Spa into its Vignette Collection brand. This marks the second property in Japan under IHG’s luxury and lifestyle brand and signifies IHG’s expansion into the Lake Toya region of Hokkaido. The Windsor Hotel TOYA Resort & Spa is owned by Meiji Shipping Group and features 386 rooms. The hotel will be renamed The Windsor Hotel TOYA Vignette Collection. It is the only hotel in the area to offer guest views of the Pacific Ocean and Lake Toya from a mountaintop location. The hotel features eight conference and meeting rooms, nine food and beverage outlets, a wedding chapel, and various health and recreation facilities.

ONYX Hospitality Group announced the grand opening of Amari Colombo in Sri Lanka. The hotel is located in the heart of Sri Lanka’s commercial and economic center and is the result of a partnership between ONYX and Winil Holdings Ltd. Amari Colombo has 167 rooms, dining options, and more.

A Boustead Singapore-led joint venture is expected to put the Como Orchard, a freehold hotel and retail building, on the market with an asking price of about S$680 million. The venture acquired the 18-story freehold hotel and retail asset for S$515 million in 2022.