Oakwood

Malaysian budget hotel owners are raising room rates due to increasing operational costs and taxes, amidst pressures from unlicensed accommodations.

Chinese travelers flocked to tourist hotspots across Asia over the Lunar New Year break, with visitor numbers and spending in destinations including Singapore, Thailand, and Malaysia exceeding pre-Covid levels.

Las Vegas Sands’ Marina Bay Sands in Singapore’s expansion plans received another increase. Marina Bay Sands said they launched the second phase of its significant reinvestment program.

Four Seasons announces two new hotels: Four Seasons Hotel Shanghai, opening in 2027 with 160 rooms and suites, and Four Seasons Hotel Suzhou, now open with 119 rooms, suites, and 11 villas. Marriott International expands in Sydney and Bangkok with the Moxy brand. Moxy Sydney Pitt Street, opening in 2025, will have 314 rooms and the city's highest rooftop bar. Moxy Bangkok Ratchaprasong, opening in 2024, starts its experience with a 9th-floor bar check-in. IHG Hotels & Resorts opens two new Holiday Inn resorts in Phuket, managed by Destination Group. Holiday Inn Resort Phuket Karon Beach and Holiday Inn Resort Phuket Surin Beach feature over 220 rooms each, with private balconies and extensive amenities.

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.

STR said China hotel RevPAR for the week ended April 15, was up 155.1% year over year. Marriott International announced it signed agreements with Vinpearl for an additional seven hotels and resorts in Vietnam , comprising more than 2,500 rooms. The Ascott Limited , a unit of CapitalLand Investment Limited, has achieved its target to secure 160,000 units by 2023 with the  signing of over 4,000 units in 1Q this year .

Ennismore announced the signing of TRIBE Bangkok Sukhumvit 39. Thai property developer Boutique Corporation has partnered with Oakwood and launched Oakwood Studios Sukhumvit Bangkok. InterContinental Hayman Island Resorts announced the opening of a new extension – 12 new free-standing Beachfront Pavilions.