Philippines Tourism Inches up in Early 2025

The number of visitor arrivals into the Philippines was up by around 1% through the first two months of 2025, aided by a significant jump in overseas Filipinos heading back home. The Dept of Tourism said total visitor arrivals stood at 1,167,908 through February 28, slightly higher than the same period in 2024 despite a decline in foreign visitors to 1,083,402. February saw a total of 541,008 visitor arrivals, down from 626,900 in January and 582,332 in February 2024. Visitation from South Korea is down significantly in the first two months of 2025, down -10.6% but the biggest percentage drop is from China, with visitation lower by -35.3% to 53,250. Arrivals from the U.S., Japan, Australia and Canada showed year-on-year growth.

Accor's Pullman Hotels & Resorts brand announced the Pullman Haiphong Grand Hotel has opened in Vietnam's major port city of Haiphong. The hotel is located in the center of the Haiphong commercial district and boasts an open view of Kamgang and Hoang Jieu ports. The hotel has a total of 364 rooms with a variety of accommodations, from cozy superior rooms to one-bedroom apartment rooms for long-term guests. The hotel amenities include the Mad Cow Wine & Grill Steakhouse, Red Flowers Pavilion or the hotel's "Food Connexion". The hotel has eight banquet halls, including one of the largest five-star hotel ballrooms in northern Vietnam. Rounding out the amenities are Power Fitness, an exercise facility, and Pullman Spa.

Singapore's Quincy House by Far East Hospitality was officially launched, Far East's ninth serviced residence. The property is strategically located in Holland Village and is designed to cater to business travelers, long-term residents, vacationers and families. Quincy House has 255 premium units offering a hybrid concept that combines the services of a high-end hotel with the warmth of a home.

Singapore-based single-family office Royal Group of Companies has appointed Sunset Hospitality Group to manage a 165-room hotel they are developing on the former Ming Arcade site just off Orchard Road. The hotel will be named Casa Mett and is expected to open in early 2027. This will be the second hotel in Singapore to be managed by the Dubai-based lifestyle hospitality group.

Cross Hotels & Resorts will enhance its presence in Indonesia with the signing of a Hotel Management Agreement with PT Bali Penida Jaya for Cross Celesta Nusa Penida. The luxury eco-resort will be perched atop the cliffs of Nusa Penida, with the five-star retreat expected to open in 2027 featuring 61 exclusive tented villas. The five-star retreat will offer views of Kelingking Beach and the Indian Ocean. Amenities will include infinity pools, a spa, fitness and recovery center, signature restaurant, and versatile event spaces. The retreat is a collaboration between Cross Hotels & Resorts, PT Bali Penida Jaya, Escape Nomad and SHL.

Jetwing Hotels of Sri Lanka has recently unveiled the Jetwing Wahawa Walauwa, a boutique villa featuring all-suite accommodations in Rambukkana in the heart of Sri Lanka's Sabaragamuwa Province. The villa was originally constructed in the 1870s as a stately family home and has now been renovated to retain its historical charm while integrating contemporary luxuries. The villa offers six luxurious suites, including four expansive grand suites. A personal butler service is available. Visitors have the option to enjoy their meals in the open dining area alongside views of the pool and verdant garden, or they can opt for a more secluded dining experience within the comfort of their suite.

Neelika Jaiswal, Nishant Jaiswal and Ankita Jaiswal announced the opening of Ramada Encore by Wyndham Lucknow Airport in partnership with Wyndham Hotels & Resorts. The hotel is located within the terminal at Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport. The hotel features 23 contemporary rooms and amenities, including an all-day dining restaurant, Brio Café, Brio Lounge, a conference hall and a boardroom for meetings. This is the fourth hotel in the Wyndham portfolio with the Jaiswals and with one more in the pipeline.

Sarovar Hotels announced the opening of Sarovar Premiere Srinagar, its third property in the city. The 83-room upscale hotel features a modern lobby celebrating the rich culture of Kashmir. The rooms range from Deluxe Rooms to expansive Two-Bedroom Suites. Amenities include Sulaiman, an all-day multi-cuisine restaurant spanning 5,500 square feet including an open terrace called Alfresco. The banquet hall is called Habba Khatoon and can accommodate up to 150 guests.

Indian Hotels Company Ltd. said it has entered Dui with the launch of SeleQtions and Gateway brands. The two greenfield hotel projects are located in proximity to Diu Fort and will be operated under IHCL's SeleQtions and Gateway brands. The SeleQtions hotel will have 33 keys and the Gateway will have 103 for their guests.

Kamat Hotels (India) signed an agreement to manage the 54 room Orchid Hotel in Rishikesh in India.

Star Entertainment, for now, has shelved consideration of the late Bally's Corporation offer and is favoring moving forward with the giving away of their 50% interest in the Queen's Wharf development in Brisbane for A$53 million. They confirmed the group behind the additional debt refinancing proposal of A$940 million is the Salter Brothers. Star said they entered into an exclusivity and process deed with Salter Brothers Capital.