Four Points by Sheraton

A new report says that hotel franchising is rapidly expanding in Southeast Asia, providing local hotel owners significant growth opportunities despite market challenges.

A new report points to a resurgence in business travel, with group travel boosting hotels and companies increasingly sending employees on trips, challenging earlier predictions that virtual meetings would replace in-person business interactions permanently.

The Camino Real hotel chain plans to spend three billion pesos on remodeling and technology upgrades at its properties across several cities in Mexico.

Thailand's Prime Minister proposes a six-nation visa to enhance regional tourism, potentially extending visa validity to 90 days, with a target of 80 million foreign tourist arrivals by 2027.

A recent implementation of unilateral visa exemptions for 13 European countries was credited for the strong growth in arrivals from the UK, France, Germany, and Russia in January.

As 2024 begins to unfold, Accor is continuing to expand the brands within its Luxury & Lifestyle division to meet the world’s accelerating demand for high-end and culturally relevant travel experiences.

Apple Hospitality REIT declared a regular monthly cash dividend and a special distribution. Bluegreen Vacation Holdings' acquisition by Hilton Grand Vacations moved forward with the expiration of the waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Act. Several new hotel openings and acquisitions were announced, including AC Hotels by Marriott in Naples, Moxy by Marriott in Houston, IHG's first Garner hotel, and Choice Hotels International's 100th Suburban Studios hotel.

Barron's recommended investing in travel stocks like Hilton and Marriott for business travel and Choice Hotels is still planning a takeover of Wyndham Hotels & Resorts. There is a new distribution agreement between Choice Hotels EMEA and Sercotel, the potential sale of Travelodge hotels by LXI REIT, and new hotel developments and refinancing deals in the UK and Europe. Significant strategic actions in the hotel industry include Choice Hotels' intent to nominate directors to Wyndham Hotels & Resorts' board amidst an $8 billion takeover battle.

Today's report highlights significant growth in global search results for inbound travel to China, with Trip.com noting a nearly 40% increase in 3Q23. New properties and expansions are underway, including The Grand Mercure Lampung Hotel in Indonesia and the first Four Points by Sheraton in Kuala Lumpur. The Imperial in New Delhi is undergoing a significant reinvention, including refurbishing historical furniture and revamping its food and beverage operations.

Deutsche Bank's conference highlighted mixed optimism in the lodging and gaming sectors, with expectations of growth driven by international markets. Revised forecasts for the U.S. hotel industry in 2023 indicate slight adjustments in occupancy, ADR, and RevPAR predictions. The sector saw various activities, including MHG's acquisition of Marriott West Palm Beach Airport, 3H Group's plans for a new Hilton in Florida, and the opening of a new Holiday Inn Express in Arizona. International expansions and renovations were also notable, with new properties and rebranding efforts in several countries. Valencia Hotel Group rebrands to Valencia Hotel Collection, marking its 20th anniversary with leadership restructuring and expansion plans. Libertyland USA, a mixed-use development, is set to open in South Dakota by 2026, featuring an indoor waterpark and other amenities. Agora Realty & Management acquires a 73-acre site in Las Vegas for mixed-use development.