Europe Will Supersede APAC as Leading Travel Region

A new report from international travel industry analysts, the Centre for Aviation, predicts the Asia Pacific region will no longer be the world’s largest travel region by the end of 2022, ceding the title to Europe. They discussed how aviation in the region remains down by 45% compared to pre-pandemic levels while European air travel has recovered to roughly 85% of pre-pandemic levels. That being said, we believe the reason is that China is still locked up/locked down. In 2019, 3.38 billion passengers transited through Asia Pacific airports. CAPA reported current predictions that only 1.84 billion passengers will pass through Asia Pacific hubs by the end of this year. Most travel in AP destinations remains at 50% or more below 2019 levels. India is the standout at only 11% below 2019. CAPA predicts Asia Pacific will not see a full return to pre-pandemic travel figures until the end of 2023 or early 2024.

Hyatt Hotels announced the opening of the Fuji Speedway Hotel in Shizuoka, Japan, the first property within The Unbound Collection by Hyatt brand in Japan. The hotel is one of several attractions in the new Fuji Motorsports Forest project developed by the Toyota Group and will offer a truly distinct experience where motorsports meets luxury hospitality. The Fuji Speedway Hotel features 120 accommodations including 21 spacious suites, all with private balconies offering views of Fuji Speedway race circuit or Mount Fuji. There are five dog-friendly villas that feature individual private garages. The hotel features two restaurants, the Omika Wellness & Spa that includes an indoor pool, spa, indoor and outdoor hot spring onsens, and a fitness center. The fitness center even includes a driving simulator designed for professional race car drivers but accessible for guests.

Business Line reported Accor plans to divest its stake in Indian ventures, opting to go asset-light through management contract deals. The company has a joint venture with Interglobe Enterprises and a special-purpose vehicle, Triguna Hospitality Ventures. Accor will eventually divest its stake in these ventures and undertake management contracts. Accor entered India in 2004 and operates nine brands. Accor currently has 55 hotels in its portfolio.

Accor announced the opening of Hotel Naru Seoul – MGallery Ambassador. This is the first hotel in the MGallery Hotel Collection in South Korea. The 196-key hotel is located on the northern banks of the Han River, close to Incheon International Airport in the Mapo-gu district. The hotel’s lobby is on the 20^th floor. The hotel offers five dining journeys while the leisure facilities include an infinity pool and a 25-meter indoor swimming pool as well as a fitness center and sauna. The hotel’s second floor is dedicated to meetings and events.

In the heart of Sydney’s CBD, Accor has opened the Mercure Sydney Martin Place. The 4-star hotel is an 86-room hotel close to Pitt Street Mall, Hyde Park and Circular Quay. The hotel includes a 24-hour reception, parking and laundry facilities and more. Mercure Sydney Martin Place is owned by Salter Brothers, an Australian-owned global funds management business, with a focus on hotels, property, private equity and credit.

The doors have officially opened at Novotel Devonport, launched in Tasmania. The 187-room hotel includes standard, superior and deluxe guestrooms with a choice of city or river views, along with a selection of luxurious executive suites. The hotel overlooks the Mersey River, a stone’s throw from the Spirit of Tasmania terminal. Coinciding with the hotel’s debut is the opening of Mr. Good Guy restaurant and bar. The hotel also includes a fitness center, meeting room and direct access to the paranaple convention center.

La Vie Hotels & Resorts announced a multi-partnership deal with Amber Property Group, to manage its hotels in Melbourne, Australia. The Sebel Melbourne Ringwood, under franchise agreement with Accor, will now be managed by La View Hotels & Resorts. Also falling under La Vie’s management will be The Motley Hotel in Richmond, soon to be opened by Amber with 80 rooms. The lifestyle hotel is expected to open in January 2023.

Lemon Tree Hotels announced its new franchise division to monetize its existing brands and expand its network of franchised hotels. They named Vilas Pawar as CEO of the unit, Shivali Verman will be its vice president, commercial & franchise services and Rajinder Kapur was named as vice president for finance & legal. Of Lemon Tree’s 85 hotels in its portfolio, 40 are owner or least and the rest are managed or franchised. They currently operate about 8,400 rooms in India and abroad, under its various brands like Aurika Hotels & Resorts, Lemon Tree Premier, Lemon Tree Hotels, Red Fox Hotels, Keys Prima, Keys Select and Keys Lite.

Sarovar Hotels Pvt. Ltd announced the opening of its one hundredth hotel in India with the opening of Lagoon Sarovar Premiere Resort, Pondicherry. The resort is spread across 33 acres of land nestled on the banks of Chunnambar Backwaters. Each room has a private sit-out area overlooking an infinity pool and tranquil backwaters. Paradise Island is adjacent to Lagoon Sarovar Premiere resort. The resort has an all day dining restaurant, Rhythm Bar and also offers 5,000 square feet of lawn by the backwaters for special moments or to host business meetings. The resort is also equipped with an activity area to play snooker, board games, outdoor live chess and more.

Indian Hotels Company announced the opening of Sawai Man Mahal in Jaipur. The heritage palace, set in the environment of the majestic Rambagh Palace, pays tribute to Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II, the last ruler of Jaipur. The hotel includes 51 rooms that open into private courtyards laced with greenery. The hotel includes a Spanish-themed all-day diner, elegant al-fresco dining choice and a library-themed cocktail lounge. IHCL described the piece de resistance as Maharani Mahal, the gold-accented ballroom overlooking the expansive Maharani Bagh. The palace also offers outdoor pool, fitness center and a Jiva Spa for rejuvenation.

Dusit International said they have continued their expansion in China with the opening of Dusit Thani Mountain, Hangzhou – the eleventh luxury Dusit-branded property in China. The hotel is located at Tianmu Mountain, 60 minutes by car from the city center of Hangzhou. The resort comprises 160 spacious villas and guest rooms on the outskirts of the Tianmu Mountain National Nature Reserve – a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. The resort includes a Chinese restaurant and all day dining restaurant. Dusit Wellness features hot aromatherapy pools, an outdoor swimming pool, gym and the Namm Spa. The resort also offers ample conference and event space.