Outbound Australians Driving Asia-Pacific Tourism Growth

STR reported China hotel data for the week ended December 7. China Hotel RevPAR was down -1.4% for the week, year over year, up against a tough +54.2% comp in the year ago week. ADR was down -0.9% while occupancy was down -0.5% year over year for the week.

The Australian Travel Industry Association’s December Travel Trends report showed Australians are still traveling in record numbers with the latest data revealing Japan, Vietnam and Indonesia as the top-growth destinations. In October alone, 1.66 million Australians departed for international destinations, up 12.1% from the same month in 2023. Japan recorded 73.8% year on year growth to 567,330 Australians traveling there as of October. Vietnam was up 35.4% to 423,630 and Indonesia was up 26% but to 1,644,010. Indonesia was the top destination followed by New Zealand at 1,344,150, up 8.2%. 63.6% of Australians traveling in the year to date were holidaying while 24% were visiting friends and relatives and 5% were traveling for business. Inbound, China is the fastest growing market year over year with a 96.6% increase on last year. Visitors from South Korea to Australian have slightly overtaken Japan, with both showing near 50% growth on last year.

Thailand is leading the world in driving the highest percentage of international hotel arrivals for December with 87% of the bookings coming from foreign travelers, up from 84% last year. This is according to data from SiteMinder. The growth has led to an 18% year on year rise in total hotel reservations for the days leading up to Christmas, December 21-25. SiteMinder said the surge in bookings complements a year on year increase in hotel rates, length of stay and booking lead time during the Christmas week. They cited a 16% increase in ADR for Thai hotels, the biggest increase globally. The average length of booked stays is set to jump by 5% from 2.63 days to 2.76 days.

The Royal Orchid Sheraton Riverside Hotel Bangkok, on the banks of the Chao Phraya River, has unveiled a comprehensive renovation of the hotel’s MICE facilities, featuring new technology and the charm of an elegant waterfront setting. The resort’s newly transformed MICE facilities include 22 light-filled meeting spaces, including two ballrooms, comprising more than 2,800 square meters of total floor space, all on the same level and overlooking the River of Kings. The Royal Orchid Sheraton Riverside Hotel Bangkok has 726 rooms and suites.

Hyatt Place Bangkok Sukhumvit 1, the second Hyatt Place hotel in Bangkok, has officially opened featuring Hyatt Place brand’s intuitive design, casual atmosphere and practical amenities. The hotel is fully owned by SSC Properties Co. Ltd. Hyatt Place Bangkok Sukhumvit 1 offers 145 spacious guestrooms, all day dining facility, The Bar, a Fitness Center and more.

The new Wafaifo Resort Hoi An has officially opened its doors. The boutique independent resort is a 10 minute walk from Hoi An, Vietnam’s historic heritage attractions. It opened with over 100 rooms available along with outlets such as the resort’s Xua & Nay all-day bistro, the wellness and spa facility, fitness center, the Bang Huu coffee shop and the resort’s Heritage and Culture Pathway. When fully completed the resort will have 134 rooms and suites with additional features to be announced in the next few weeks.

IHG Hotels & Resorts announced they signed a management agreement with Sakthi Elegant Towers India Pvt Ltd to develop Holiday Inn Chennai Vandalur. Scheduled to open in 2026, the new hotel will add 200 keys to IHG’s growing presence in India. The hotel will be located a short drive from Chennai International Airport in the Vandalur area. The hotel will feature the brand’s Open Lobby hallmark, a versatile space where guests can choose how they connect and relax. IHG currently has 46 hotels operating across six brands in India. They have a pipeline of 58 hotels that are due to open in the next three to five years.

Prince Real Estate Group officially announced a partnership with TUI BLUE Hotels and Resorts to manage the Prince Times Hotel in Sihanoukville in Cambodia. The TUI BLUE Sihanoukville is expected to re-launch in the second quarter of 2025 and will represent TUI BLUE Hotel Group’s debut into the heart of Sihanoukville and the Cambodian market. TUI Hotel and Resort will be the second operating international branded 5 star hotel in Sihanoukville. It will come with the first modern international standard MICE and conference hall in downtown Sihanoukville, helping with the city’s aim to become a popular MICE destination in the Indochina region.

A luxurious private island experience is coming to Cambodia in March 2025 with the opening of JATI, a unique resort located just 10 minutes by speedboat from the southern coast’s private jetty and a short drive from Sihanoukville International Airport. JATI will offer 82 one and two bedroom villas with some villas featuring private pools and direct beach access. The resort’s atmosphere shifts from a laid back serene daytime vibe to lively evenings with a beach club and dining experiences. Recreation facilities include a sports and racquet club and for wellness enthusiasts, the Bamboo Spa & Gym. In late 2025 the extensive Events & Conference Center will be unveiled, adding to the place already being a sought-after venue for beachfront weddings and events. JATI is an addition to the portfolio by HMD Asia.

Accor’s Mercure brand has expanded its presence in South Korea with the opening of the Mercure Ambassador Seoul Magok in the city’s Gangseo District. The hotel includes 400 guest rooms and suites, including junior and executive suites with separate living areas ideal for extended stays and business travelers, as well as deluxe triple rooms for families and groups. Several rooms offer views of the Seoul Botanic Park and the hotel’s rooftop gardens. There is an all-day dining restaurant, fitness center, indoor pool and more, located just a 10 minute drive from Gimpo International Airport and a 40 minute drive from Incheon International Airport.