Hilton Hits 1,000 Hotel Milestone in Asia Pacific

Skift, the parent company of this publication, reported on the Tourism Authority of Thailand, saying Thailand expects 1.56 million foreign travelers to visit between December 21 and January 1, 2025 (free read for subscribers). That would be up 16% from last year, with tourism revenue expected to be up 20% from 2023 at THB45 billion (US$1.3 billion). Changes to visa exemptions, easing of immigration rules, and the introduction of additional flights are said to be the reason they are attracting more foreign tourists. Domestic tourism is expected to rise to 4.4 million travelers generating THB17 billion in revenue, up 30% from last year. In the first 11 months of 2024, Thailand has seen more than 32 million foreign tourists generating THB1.5 trillion in revenue.

Hilton announced they reached 1,000 trading hotels in Asia Pacific, up from 761 at the end of last year. Their goal had been to reach 1,000 hotels by 2025. Hilton has a pipeline of 915 hotels in various stages of development, putting them on track to double its overall portfolio in the coming years. Their mid-market hotel brands are on track to more than double their portfolio of 500 hotels, while their luxury estate is set to grow to 150 hotels in the coming years, quadrupling its current size. This year Hilton surpassed 700 hotels in Greater China and now has 758 hotels trading in the region across 10 brands in 249 locations. They will double their presence in South East Asia in the coming years.

Marriott announced that in 2025 there would be three JW Marriott Hotels & Resorts opening in Asia Pacific (excluding China), the reopening of W Maldives, the debut of the first Sheraton Hotels & Resorts in Papau New Guinea, and the introduction of Moxy Hotels in Nepal and AC Hotels in the Philippines. Courtyard by Marriott will debut in Vietnam, while Marriott Hotels & Resorts will expand to unique destinations in India.

IHG Hotels & Resorts unveiled plans to introduce voco hotels to Bandung, Indonesia through a strategic partnership with PT Sun Land Investama and its new associate, Nova Chandra. The upcoming voco Bandung Setiabudi is expected to open in 2025 and will feature 162 rooms and will be situated on Jalan Dr. Setiabudi. IHG has 27 open hotels and 15 pipeline hotels across nine destinations in Indonesia.

IHG also said they expanded their Vignette Collection brand to Vietnam with the addition of Moire Hoi An. The Moire Hoi An resort features 128 guestrooms and suites, each offering views of Hoi An's UNESCO World Heritage-listed ancient town. The resort features a range of dining options, including a contemporary Vietnamese deli and an American-style barbeque restaurant. The hotel also includes the Breathe Spa, an infinity edge pool overlooking the Hoai River and more.

Sun Group and Accor & Ennismore signed an agreement to bring the Rixos brand to Hon Thom, Phu Quoc in Vietnam. Accor & Ennismore will manage and operate the Rixos Phu Quoc project, the first Rixos-branded resort in Southeast Asia under the luxurious all-inclusive model. The resort features nearly 2,000 rooms, including 207 suites with ocean views and private access to beaches. The resort will feature nearly 20 restaurants/bars, family beach areas, playgrounds, Rixy Kids Clubs, pools, outdoor entertainment areas, sports facilities, a spa and experiential activities within the Sun Paradise Land ecosystem in Phu Quoc. This adds to other hotel resorts in the Sun Paradise Land ecosystem, including the Luxury Collection and Ritz-Carlton reserve properties.

Accor said they partnered with Ceebros Group to bring its upscale Pullman brand to the south Indian city of Chennai. Previously, The Raintree Annan Salai, the Ceebros-owned property, marks a key step in Accor's efforts to enhance its high-end hotel portfolio across India. Pullman Chennai Anna Salai will feature 233 rooms, including 11 suites, set to open next month.

Accor also announced the signing of Novotel Agra Fatehabad Road, marking the debut of the Novotel brand in Agra City. The hotel is set to open in 2029, spanning 13,000 square meters and offering 275 rooms starting at 28 square meters. The project is spearheaded by Crystal Visa Ventures LLP.

Radisson Hotel Group announced the debut of Park Inn & Suites by Radisson in Thrissur, India. The Park Inn & Suites by Radisson Thrissur East Fort marks the global debut of Radisson Hotel Group's latest brand. The hotel is 49 kilometers from Cochin International Airport. The launch aligns with RHG's strategic master franchise partnership with Treebo Hospitality Ventures, aimed at expanding the Park Inn & Suites by Radisson brand with 150 hotels over the next decade.

Lead Real Estate Co. Ltd. announced the launch of its new extended-stay apartment hotel, ENT TERRACE GINZA Premium, which will open in Ginza, Tokyo on December 16. The hotel is adjacent to the world-famous Kabuki-za Theater. The ENT TERRACE series is based on the concept of family-style vacations, offering apartment hotels with ketches to meet the needs of foreign travelers and groups such as families for medium to long-term stays. All the properties are certified as Super Hosts by Airbnb.

Melbourne-based fund manager Salter Brothers is advancing plans to list a hospitality vehicle by 2026. The Australian group is hoping to build its portfolio into the largest hospitality vehicle in Asia Pacific as it expands to more than $3 billion of hotels over the next five years.