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North America
IHG Brings Wonderland Experience to Select Hotels
Park Hotels & Resorts announced a quarterly cash dividend of $0.15 and a special top-off dividend of $0.78, totaling nearly $635 million returned to shareholders in 2023. R New and renovated Holiday Inn properties opened in Mansfield, Ohio, and Milwaukee, Wisconsin. LuxUrban Hotels signed agreements to operate two New York City hotels. -
Asia-Pacific
China to Drop Visa Requirement for Select Countries
China launches a pilot project allowing visa-free travel for visitors from several countries, with Malaysia reciprocating for Chinese and Indian visitors. IHG, Accor, SM Hotels, Hilton, and Artyzen Hospitality Group announce new properties and partnerships across Asia. The former Palazzo Versace in Australia is up for sale with a $100 million price tag. -
Asia-Pacific
Thailand Sees Early Results From Visa-Free Travel Period for Chinese Tourists
Philippines sees over 4 million foreign tourist arrivals in 9 months, exceeding tourism spending targets. Thailand’s visa-free travel policy for Chinese tourists results in a 30% increase in hotel bookings, approaching 2019 levels. Various developments in the hotel and tourism industry, including a new skyscraper in Tokyo and changes in travel intentions worldwide. -
North America
Davidson, Dimension and HEI Lead in Satisfaction
The J.D. Power 2023 North America Third-Party Hotel Management Guest Satisfaction Benchmark reveals that hotel management companies’ investments in renovations, maintenance, and staffing have led to increased guest satisfaction in areas like guest rooms and staff service. The benchmark highlights that guest anticipation of needs is a crucial factor, with 82% of interactions meeting this goal. Many guests desire modern lobby designs, but only 13% of branded hotels fulfill this criterion. Additionally, there’s a demand for electric vehicle charging stations, with 19% of guests expressing interest. -
Asia-Pacific
Japan’s Inbound Tourism Surges Thanks to Gulf Countries
China hotel RevPAR increased by 27.9% year over year and by 13.7% when compared to 2019. Japan experienced a resurgence in inbound tourism, with GCC countries leading the way, and June 2023 saw 72% of the visitor numbers compared to June 2019. Several hotels, including W Sydney , W Macao Studio City , and The Grand Copthorne Waterfront Hotel , have announced openings and renovations to cater to the recovering travel demand. Additionally, CapitaLand Ascott Trust signed a Memorandum of Understanding for acquiring lodging assets in the UK, Ireland, and Indonesia. -
Asia-Pacific
Oyo Enters Premium Resorts Category With New Brand
China’s summer resort tourism market reaches 1.2-1.5 trillion yuan as residents seek refuge from heat waves. The Philippines Bureau of Immigration expects a 20% increase in tourist visa extensions with the launch of its electronic services platform. SC Capital Partners acquires a portfolio of 27 resort hotels in Japan , focusing on revenue increase and refurbishment works. -
Asia-Pacific
Wyndham Bets on Wellness in Phuket
Radisson Hotel Group expands its portfolio in the Asia Pacific region, adding over 60 hotels in Vietnam , India , Thailand , the Philippines , and China . IHG Hotels & Resorts introduces Vignette Collection to Phnom Penh , Cambodia, with the upcoming opening of Vignette Collection Phnom Penh Odom, following the success of Six Senses Krabey Island. Hilton opens Conrad Shenzhen in China’s Qianhai business district, featuring 300 rooms and providing elevated luxury accommodations in the city’s financial center. -
North America
Hyatt to Expand in Upper-Midscale Through Luxury
Hyatt Hotels held an Investor Day today. They are forecasting $650 to $850 million of free cash flow by 2025 and will be 80% asset-light for their earnings mix. Effective Thursday, the Board of Directors of Louvre Hotel Group has appointed Federico J. Gonzalez as Group CEO. Hilton announced the signing of a management agreement for the first all-inclusive Curio Collection by Hilton property in the Dominican Republic , the new build Zemi Miches All-Inclusive Resort, Curio Collection by Hilton. -
North America
U.S. Hotel Industry Reported Higher Performance in March
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North America
Kayak’s Hotel May Be Seized in a $13 Million Foreclosure Lawsuit
Truist gave their 1Q lodging earnings preview . While they continue to see macro over micro with the main driver/wildcard coming from the economic impact of high interest rates and inflation, at a minimum they expect results to be in-line but more likely ahead. The Kayak Miami Beach hotel could be seized in a $13.68 million foreclosure lawsuit. The ART Hotel Denver, Curio Collection by Hilton announced the completion of its $3 million property-wide refresh to its 165 rooms and suites, 7,500 square feet of flexible meeting and event spaces, fitness center, private dining and public spaces.