Philippines Sees 9.1% Tourism Growth, Cambodia Sees 55%

The Dept. of Tourism said visitor arrivals to the Philippines increased by 9.1% in January compared to the same month last year. The total number of visitors reached 626,9000 in January with South Korea maintaining its position as the primary source of inbound tourists even with a -7% decline year on year, totaling 162,505. The United States was second, up 18.7% to 123,094. China was down -7.2%, falling to sixth place with 31,086.

China saw a total of 501 million domestic tourist trips during the eight-day Spring Festival Holiday, which is up 5.9% year on year. Consumption rose by 7% to reach 677 billion yuan (US$93.1 billion). Winter resorts in Hainan and Guangxi in the south and Yunnan Province in the southwest saw a boom in tourism. China's Ministry of Culture and Tourism said the Spring Festival also saw an uptick in foreign tourist arrivals following China's continued relaxation of its visa policies and facilitation of payment services.

One location that did not even come close to expectations was Macau. The Visa policies relaxation had the Macao Government Tourism Office completely missing the part about the timing, starting on a Tuesday versus Friday last year. Analysts dismissed the lower room rates, focusing on expected occupancy. The result was lower visitation than expected, a 95% hotel occupancy but at a -2.4% decline in rates from last year to MOP1,839 average and the most important data, casino gaming revenue, which was -6% below consensus.

Cambodia is designating 2025 as the "Cambodia-China Year of Tourism", anticipating a significant increase in Chinese tourists, bolstered by strong bilateral relations and diverse attractions. In 2024, Cambodia attracted 848,952 Chinese visitors, up 55% over 2023. China was the third largest source of foreign tourists for the kingdom, behind Thailand and Vietnam. The Pacific Asia Travel Association Cambodia chapter is predicting a continued rise in Chinese tourist arrivals. Officials expect the tourism sector in Cambodia overall is set for significant growth this year.

Marriott International announced their JW Marriott brand opened the JW Marriott Kaafu Atoll Island Resort. This is the second JW Marriott property in the Maldives, nestled in Kaafu Atoll's largest lagoon, located 15 minutes by boat from Velana International Airport. The property includes 80 private pool villas, including 47 overwater pool villas. Each villa includes expansive terraces, views of the Indian Ocean and access to pristine lagoons. The Three Bedroom Ocean Residence is perched above the turquoise waters, tailored for families and friends. The resort includes seven dining venues and bars as well as bespoke private dining options. The overwater Spa by JW offers BABOR's precision skincare products, a first in the Maldives. Wellness enthusiasts can also enjoy sunrise yoga, a state-of-the-art fitness center with ocean views and a lap pool. Other amenities include the signature Family by JW program, a JW Kids Club and more.

Anantara Hotels & Resorts, the luxury brand from Minor Hotels, unveiled its first property in India, the Anantara Jewel Bagh Jaipur, described as a luxurious retreat that is a sanctuary of verdant grounds and palatial architecture, located 30 minutes from Jaipur International Airport. There are 150 rooms and suites, overlooking the serene inner courtyard or the city, including Premier and Deluxe Rooms as well as Deluxe Family Rooms. The Jewel Bagh One Bedroom Suite is 70 square meters and includes a separate living room. The Anantara One Bedroom Terrace Suite is 65 square meters, while the crown jewel is the 173 square meter Presidential Two Bedroom Suite. F&B options include the Sheesh Mahal signature restaurant, all-day dining Amrit Mahal, cozy Rajputana Chowk and for a royal experience, Designer Dining by Anantara. The signature Anantara Spa, wedding and event space, including five landscaped gardens and the pillar-less Kohinoor Mahal ballroom round out the amenities. For Minor, the Anantara Jewel Bagh Jaipur is the start of their accelerated growth to 50 properties in India within the next decade.

Hook Island, located within the Whitsunday Islands in Australia, is embarking on a transformation, unveiling plans for a world-class eco-lodge that is expected to open in 2027. Epochal Hotels' CEO Glenn Piper and some dedicated investors acquired the leasehold in 2022. Once complete, the eco-lodge will be home to 39 biophilic cabins, an arrival pavilion, two dining experiences, forest eco pools, wellness spaces and a range of adventure activities. Piper is designing the resort to embody "barefoot luxury". There will be six unique accommodation types nestled across the forest and beachfront settings. Amenities will include an Arrival Pavilion, an Explorer's Lounge, Beach Club, Nordic Cycle Forest Spa and Eco Pool, Clifftop Fine Dining Restaurant along with a Lounge, Yoga Pavilion and Kids Adventure Club. Hook Island spans 58 square kilometers and lies within the iconic Great Barrier Reef. Development is expected to be phased to minimize its footprint.

The redevelopment project involving the former Millennium Hilton Seoul site near Namsan and Seoul Station in Seoul, South Korea, is underway. Local real estate asset manager Igis Asset Management is leading the project and they reported top global hotel operators have submitted letters of intent to run the redeveloped hotel. They said this includes Ritz-Carlton from Marriott, Waldorf Astoria from Hilton, Alila from Hyatt, Regent from IHG, Sofitel from Accor, One&Only from Kerzner and Shangri-La. The project, called Iota right now, will transform the 339,000 square meter site into a mixed-use property encompassing office towers, a six-star hotel, retail spaces and a public green area. Construction is slated to begin in the first half of 2025 with completion expected in 2030.

The Aman Nai Lert Bangkok is expected to open on April 2. The 52-suite hotel is located in Nai Lert Park. It will be home to an exclusive Aman Club with its own dedicated spaces, a 1,500 square meter Aman Spa & Wellness center, multiple dining and socializing venues alongside branded residences. Aman Group said amenities will include a poolside bar, along with an infinity swimming pool overlooking the green canopy of Nai Lert Park. A 1,500 square meter Aman Spa & Wellness will span two floors, housing both a medical clinic and an Aman Spa. F&B offerings will include convivial lounge bar 1872 and the signature Italian restaurant, Arva. The 19th floor of the hotel will be exclusive to Aman Club Founders, a private membership program offering members, referred to as founders, privileged access to Aman's extensive facilities and services.