-
Asia-Pacific
Thailand Takes Step to Woo Chinese Tourists
The Royal Thai Government is granting temporary tourist visa exemptions to Chinese and Kazakhstani passport holders from September 25, 2023, to February 29, 2024, to boost tourism revenue. Macao expects a high number of visitors during the upcoming Golden Week, with hotels projected to have near-full occupancy due to the Mid-Autumn Festival and National Day Holiday. Galaxy Macau has opened Andaz Macau, the largest Andaz hotel in the Hyatt brand’s portfolio, featuring 700 rooms, artworks, and a direct connection to the Galaxy International Convention Center and Galaxy Arena. -
Asia-Pacific
Australia Sees Corporate Hotel Demand Strengthening
CoStar and STR analysis reveal Australia’s hotel market normalization as leisure demand plateaus and corporate business strengthens. Occupancy and ADR figures show progress compared to last year but remain slightly below 2019 levels. Choice Hotels APAC reports positive Q2 results in Australia and New Zealand, adding new deals and Ascend Hotel Collection locations. Hotel Indigo Tokyo Shibuya opens, featuring music-themed rooms; DoubleDragon Corp starts construction on its first overseas hotel in Hokkaido, Japan. Macau experiences impressive hotel occupancy rebound in July; IOI Properties partners with Marriott for a new hotel in Singapore’s Marina View property; juSTa Rudra Resort & Spa to open in India; The Greenwood Hotels and Resorts Group invests in Northeast India expansion; The Roxy Impiana Hotel prepares for opening in Kuching, Malaysia. -
Asia-Pacific
Hilton to More Than Double Its Luxury Hotels in Asia Pacific
The FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 generated $2.98 billion in travel and retail spending in NSW, boosting the economy and drawing record audiences to hospitality venues. Hilton plans to open 25 new luxury hotels in the Asia Pacific region, including its Waldorf Astoria brand in countries like Malaysia, Vietnam, and India. Hotel Properties received approval for a S$1-2 billion project to redevelop prime properties on Orchard Road. The redevelopment includes twin skyscrapers, retail, office, residential spaces, and a performance theater, making it Orchard Road’s largest property redevelopment. -
Asia-Pacific
Radisson, Wyndham and IHG Expand Presence in Thailand
Radisson Hotel Group plans to open more premium and luxury hotels in Thailand , Cambodia , Laos , and Vietnam over the next five years, with a focus on popular tourist destinations such as Bangkok , Phuket , Chiang Mai , and Samui Island . Wyndham Hotels & Resorts aims to open over 15 hotels with 5,000 additional rooms in Thailand to catch up with the country’s tourism industry recovery, but they don’t expect a return to pre-pandemic levels until 2024. IHG Hotels & Resorts continues to expand its Hotel Indigo brand in Thailand , with plans to open the Hotel Indigo Bangkok Thonglor in 2026, offering 250 rooms, restaurants, a bar, swimming pool, gym, and meeting spaces. -
Asia-Pacific
How the Philippines Plans to Boost Visitor Numbers
Philippines aims to become a tourism powerhouse with a new slogan “Love the Philippines” and a five-year plan to boost visitor numbers. Mandarin Oriental in Guangzhou introduces child-friendly MiniMO Jungle Suites and Rooms with themed decor and exclusive amenities. Pan Pacific Hotels Group plans to open Pan Pacific Serviced Suites Bangkok in 2026, featuring 191 suites and leisure spaces. -
North America
Red Roof to Add 50 Properties This Year
Red Roof will open 50 properties, new builds and conversions , in 2023, representing 60% year-on-year growth. The Greater Las Vegas Short-Term Rental Association wants the Supreme Court to rule on the constitutionality of short-term rental regulations in Clark County, Nevada. The newly minted penny stocks, VCSA and SOND, both traded down to new lows, dropping another -4% and -7% respectively. SLNA hit a new low, down another -7%. -
Asia-Pacific
China’s Zero-Covid Policy Shows Cracks at Beijing Airport
Beijing’s International Airport and Daxing Airport have dropped the requirement for a negative Covid-19 test result to enter their terminals. Hotels on the Indonesian holiday island of Bali are booked solid for the Christmas and New Year period . The Kyushu Tourism Organization in Japan sent us a press release on their expected new resorts and hotels opening in 2023.