Tokyo Leads Hotel Investment in Asia Pacific, Says CBRE

CBRE's newly released 2025 Asia Pacific Hotel Investor Intentions Survey shows more than 72% of investors plan to increase their hotel investment allocations in the Asia Pacific region. Japan, Singapore, and Australia have seen a surge in tourism, and that has fueled strong interest in hotel assets with limited supply further driving investment appeal. According to the survey, Tokyo remains the top destination for hotel investment, followed by Sydney, and then Seoul and Bangkok tied for third. Singapore and Osaka follow, tied in the fifth spot. The survey suggests investor interest has shifted towards the upscale and upper midscale segments from the strong period of luxury hotel acquisitions. Rebranding and redevelopment are both gaining traction due to high construction costs. Investors appear to be waiting for more clarity on future interest rate cuts before making major investment decisions outside of Japan.

The latest ATIA Travel Trends report showed significant growth in outbound travel in Australia, particularly to Japan, Indonesia, and the United States. The report highlighted a 16.2% increase in total international trips by Australians, rising to 11.6 million in the year ended December 2024. Japan recorded an increase of 56.9%, with 798,710 Australians traveling there over the past year. Indonesia was up 22.7% with 1.68 million Australian travelers, while the US was up 10.2% at 735,210. On the inbound side, China paced an overall 15.1% rise in the total visitor count of 8.27 million. China was up a whopping 66.4% with 891,550 arrivals. New Zealand remains Australia's largest source market, with 1.39 million visitors, up 9.5%.

Marriott International's The Luxury Collection brand announced the opening of Londoner Grand, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Macao. The hotel is in the heart of the Cotai Strip, part of the Londoner complex from Sands China/Las Vegas Sands, just 4.9 kilometers from Macau International Airport and Taipa Ferry Terminal. The hotel features 2,405 guest rooms and suites ranging from guest rooms with marble bathrooms to expansive suites designed for families and groups with terraces, private pools, and media rooms. The crown jewel of the hotel is the Paiza Grand, an ultra-luxurious private hotel featuring 313 suites, each with Grand Butlers. The Londoner Grand offers five dining concepts, a fully equipped health club and the Royal Pool, along with 15 spa treatment rooms. Meeting and event spaces total 14.323 square meters, led by the 52,647 square foot grand ballroom.

Mandarin Oriental Suzhou will open in 2026 in Suzhou, China. The hotel is being developed along the east bank of Jinji Lake and will offer views of Suzhou's skyline while providing access to the Central Business District. The hotel will have 146 guest rooms, many with private balconies that frame the serene Jinji Lake. There will be three signature restaurants, a stylish lounge and bar, and al fresco dining with waterfront vistas. Other amenities will include a world-renowned spa, fitness center and indoor pool. Expansive event spaces will be offered as well as a Children's Club for the younger guests.

Crowne Plaza Penang Straits City in Penang, Malaysia, opened its doors yesterday, part of the Straits City waterfront master development in Butterworth. The 40-acre mega project was developed by Straits Trading Company and Malaysia Smelting Corps Bhd. The five-star waterfront hotel features 343 rooms and suites, a Straits Ballroom and more, located 27 kilometers from the Penang International Airport. The hotel is managed by IHG Hotels & Resorts.

IHG also announced the opening of the Holiday Inn Resort Bintan Lagoi Beach in Indonesia. The resort is located just 10 minutes from the Bandar Bentan Telani Ferry Terminal. The hotel includes 258 rooms and suites, each featuring a private balcony. Pool Access Rooms offer director entry to the resort's pools, and there are also one- and two-bedroom Family Suites for multigenerational travelers. For the younger kids, there are Kids' Suites featuring a jungle-inspired theme, interactive play areas and bunk beds. Amenities include the Sunjivva Spa, four food and beverage venues, the Wavy Waft outdoor activity center, Mangrove House Kids Club and well-equipped meetings and event facilities, including the 450 square meter Hang Tuah Ballroom.

While the President of the Inspire Integrated Casino Resort in Incheon, South Korea, has come out saying they are pleased with Bain Capital taking over the property, the former owner Mohegan Gaming is not giving up just yet. This is the third casino property Mohegan has given up management of in the past year, including Resorts in Atlantic City, New Jersey, and the Virgin Hotels Casino Resort in Las Vegas, Nevada. Mohegan is arguing that Bain Capital's takeover was premature as they did not satisfy the financial covenants, they had not missed a payment of principal or interest. They claim Bain Capital rejected their reasonable proposals and instead gave them counterproposals, which would have had Bain Capital receive large payments ahead of other Inspire lenders. Mohegan said they will continue to try to negotiate in good faith with Bain Capital to find a mutually agreeable solution that allows them to be continuing partners with the people of Korea and their various stakeholders. Mohegan said they do not believe the change of control pursued by Bain Capital is in the best interests of the property, team members and customers, other lenders, and various key stakeholders.

Ramada by Wyndham Kathmandu Dhumbarahi opened in Nepal, offering modern luxury with Tibetan and Newari influences. Kathmandu-based Akama Hotel Limited officially unveiled the hotel, marking its collaboration with Wyndham Hotels and Resorts through a franchise agreement. The hotel is located just five kilometers from Tribhuvan International Airport. The property spans one acre and includes 108 rooms, an all-day dining restaurant, coffee lounge, two bars, versatile banquet and conference spaces, a business center, outdoor infinity pool, spa, sauna, fitness center and a boutique gift shop.

Sri Lanka will charge an 18% levy on gross casino revenue and increase the entrance fee to $100 from $50 per person, according to the 2025 budget. Corporate tax on tobacco and alcohol will be raised. Other raises include a hike in capital gains tax for individuals to 15% from 10%, a digital services tax will be included in VAT, a hike in the corporate tax to 45% had been proposed earlier, and the stand duty on lease contract will be raised to 2% from the current 1%.