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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
New StandardX Brand Will Debut in Melbourne
Singapore saw a significant rise in international visitor arrivals in October, notably from China and Indonesia. Meanwhile, The Philippines plans to develop 48 new hotels by 2028. Several hospitality brands announced major expansions, including The Standard International’s new The StandardX in Melbourne, Australia, and Accor opening Mercure Tokyo Haneda Airport. Indian Hotels Company formalized a partnership for a new Vivanta hotel in Kochi, India, and Crowne Plaza in Chennai, India will be replaced by luxury apartments. -
Asia-Pacific
Wyndham Grand Makes Debut in Kuala Lumpur
Wyndham Grand debuts in Kuala Lumpur and Hilton’s Curio Collection enters India, while Hotel Indigo Sydney Potts Point launches after a significant refurbishment. Hyatt and IHCL plan extensive expansions in India, while Genting invests in Sentosa. The Westin Tokyo undergoes a major makeover, and Candeo Hotels integrates a historic temple in Osaka. -
Asia-Pacific
South Korea Takes Steps to Woo More Chinese Tourists
China hotel RevPAR increased by 30.7% YoY but was down by -6.8% compared to 2019. South Korea aims to attract 1.5 million Chinese tourists, lifting group visit bans with incentives. H World Group refines strategy for post-pandemic tourism in China, focusing on quality growth and lower-tier cities. -
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. -
Asia-Pacific
Japan Sees American Visitor Count Top 2019 Levels
American visitor arrivals to Japan increased by 3.6% in the first four months of 2023 compared to the same period in 2019, making the U.S. the only Western nation, apart from Mexico, to experience a rise in tourism to Japan. Hongkong Land unveiled its $8 billion Shanghai West Bund Financial Hub project, which will include office buildings, luxury residential apartments, hotels, a public art center, and retail spaces. The development will be completed in three phases by 2027, and Hongkong Land plans to roll out 10 new developments in China in the next five years. Macau Legend Development announced its intention to sell its Laos gaming operation for $45 million to a Japanese citizen, as the company has faced financial difficulties and its owner has been arrested. After the sale, Macau Legend will have remaining plans to build a hotel and casino in Cape Verde. -
Asia-Pacific
Minor Hotels’ Plans to Grow Portfolio
Strong RevPAR growth observed in China, Singapore, and India, indicating recovery and resilience in the Asian hotel industry. Minor Hotels plans significant expansion across multiple countries, capitalizing on pent-up demand and strategic partnerships. Radisson Hotel Group signs multiple new hotels in India, while ITC considers a potential demerger of its hotel business, reflecting evolving strategies in the market. -
Asia-Pacific
Four New 5-Star Hotels for Bangladesh
China’s hotel industry shows strong recovery with a significant increase in RevPAR, benefiting companies like STR and driving pent-up travel demand, particularly from Chinese tourists. Major developments in the hospitality sector are underway in various locations, including Thane (Maharashtra) where Oberoi Realty plans to develop a luxury hotel managed by Marriott International or Hyatt, and Dhaka (Bangladesh) with multiple new five-star hotels expected to open in the coming years. Hotel projects and expansions are also taking place in Nagoya (Japan), Tokyo’s Shinjuku area, San Fernando (Pampanga, Philippines), and Nha Trang (Vietnam), indicating growth and investments in these respective regions. -
Asia-Pacific
Ayala Land Hotels Continues Expansion in the Philippines
Ayala Land Hotels and Resorts Corp. is pushing forward with plans of increasing the number of keys in its homegrown Seda-branded hotels. Suba Group of Hotels marked another milestone in India’s Tech City – Bengaluru with the launch of Click Hotel Ayra in Seshadripuram, Bengaluru . The Novotel Jodhpur ITI Circle marks the twenty-third Novotel property opening in India. -
Asia-Pacific
Macau to Get Karl Lagerfeld Hotel, Maldives to Get a Rosewood
Golden Week started off with a bang in the SAR with Hong Kong reporting 165,000 people crossed the border into the city on the first day while more than 110,000 tourists from the Mainland left Hong Kong. In June, SJM will open the 271-room Karl Lagerfeld Hotel on Cotai in Macau . The project was initially unveiled in 2014 but was delayed for various reasons including the pandemic. The Rosewood Ranfaru in the Maldives is expected to open in 2027, stretched across a striking chain of private islands around a pristine lagoon in the South Male Atoll