Issues

The Philippines and Melbourne Set Records

STR reported China hotel RevPAR rose 6.9% year over year the week ended January 7. RevPAR, when compared to the same week in 2019, was down -39.6%. While the Macao Government Tourism Office is predicting visitor arrivals of just 50,000 a day for Chinese New Year week, hotel room rates across Macau are said to be surging with standard rooms now regularly priced above HK$8,000. Colliers International said they are expecting hotels in the Philippines will complete some 3,900 rooms, a record high for developers , as they anticipate the projected recovery in global travel in 2023.

Hilton Launches Premium Economy Brand Spark

Lodging stocks were higher led by AHT, up another 10%. ABNB and PLYA were both up 7% on the day while VCSA was up 6% and HST rose 5%. Truist gave their 2023 lodging preview , saying they see a mixed bag for demand/pricing/supply trends for the lodging companies. Similar to the past nine months, they see “macro over micro” at the moment. DiamondRock Hospitality said their preliminary 4Q22 comparable revenue grew 23.4% year over year and 8.5% compared to 2019.

China Limits Inbound Visas for Countries That Require Covid Tests four Outbound Chinese

The Chinese Embassy in South Korea has suspended issuing short-term visas for South Korean visitors. This is considered the first retaliatory move against nations imposing Covid-19 curbs on travelers from China. The newly inaugurated Fushoushan Farm Guesthouse in Taiwan is fully booked for the Lunar New Year and 228 Peace Memorial Day holidays. Marriott International’s Tribute Portfolio continues to expand its footprint in Singapore with the opening of The Serangoon House .

60 Percent of Americans More Likely to Stay in Hotels in 2023 Than Last Year

JP Morgan gave their 2023 lodging outlook presentation, saying they see the REITs as relative underperformers versus the C-Corps. They see Wyndham Hotels and Hyatt Hotels as relative out performers within lodging. The DJIA rose 186 points while Nasdaq was up 107, the S&P 500 rose 27 points and the 10-year treasury yield was up .10 to 3.62%. Lodging stocks were higher. Barclays said December lodging RevPAR ended on a strong note, very notable after Pebblebrook Hotel Trust’s guidance cut during the month.

Thailand Drops Vaccination Entry Policy

Thailand rescinded its entry policy which requires visitors to show proof of a Covid-19 vaccination, citing sufficient immunization levels in China and the rest of the world. Vietnamnet reported thousands of people lined up at the Mong Cai border gates this past weekend to cross into China. The main requirements to cross were removed on December 31. The first Marriott International property to open on the North side of Phu Quoc in Vietnam has launched.

Jefferies Downgrades Marriott and Hilton

Jefferies downgraded both Marriott and Hilton to Hold , leaving only Wyndham with a Buy rating in their C-Corp coverage. They continue to favor Host Hotels and Hersha Hospitality. 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay is opening on February 15 on Kauai’s north shore. The resort will be the flagship hotel for 1 Hotels. The DJIA fell 113 points, Nasdaq was up 66, the S&P 500 was down 3 points and the 10-year treasury yield was down .05 to 3.52%. How was that for a mixed market?

China's Travel Rebound May Speed Up

STR reported China hotel RevPAR was down -17.7% year over year for the week ended 12/31/22. When compared to the same week in 2019, RevPAR was down -23.6%. As of Sunday, the terrible hotel news of the past three years is just that, in the past as borders were reopened in China . The Philippines and China signed a new comprehensive tourism agreement that aims to strengthen mutual development in areas such as hotels, resorts, cruise ships, ports, tourism products and other related industries.

Braemar and Ashford Forecast Strong Fourth Quarters

The DJIA rose 701 points on Friday while Nasdaq was up 264, the S&P 500 rose 87 points and the 10 year treasury yield was down .15 to 3.57% Braemar Hotels & Resorts Inc. expects to report occupancy of approximately 64% for the fourth quarter of 2022 with an ADR of approximately $469 resulting in RevPAR of approximately $301. Ashford Hospitality Trust, Inc. expects to report occupancy of approximately 68% for the fourth quarter of 2022 with an ADR of approximately $175 resulting in RevPAR of approximately $118.

New Builds, Conversions and Proposals to Start the Year

The DJIA fell 350 points, Nasdaq was down 154, the S&P 500 fell 45 points and the 10-year treasury yield was up .01 to 3.72%. Mizuho cut their price target on Airbnb to $110 from $125. They maintained their Neutral rating on the stock. STR reported US lodging data for the week ended 12/31. US hotel RevPAR was up 4.2% year over year while up 35.6% versus the same week in 2019.

China Pushes Back at Outbound Tourism Restrictions

China’s Foreign Ministry spokeswoman told the media that many foreign nations had responded warmly to the country’s newly relaxed Covid-19 regulations. The Macau government said that, as of this Sunday, they will officially end all quarantine requirements for all nationalities entering Macau. Vietnam said its tourism sector raked in about US$408.3 million in revenue during the three-day 2023 New Year holiday .

Hotel Purchases and Development Heat Up in Early January

The DJIA rose 133 points while Nasdaq was up 72, the S&P 500 was up 29 points and the 10 year treasury yield was down .08 to 3.71%. Canada’s hotel performance came in lower than the month prior but showed improved comparisons to 2019, according to STR ‘s November 2022 data. Kolter Urban is planning to build a Ritz-Carlton Hotel Residences in Sarasota Bay, Florida .

Thailand’s Slow Hotel Rebound

The Nation reported hotels in Thailand expect occupancy rates to start picking up in the second half of this year. China lifting restrictions is playing a big part in that projection. AC Hotels by Marriott announced its brand debut in Greater China with the opening of AC Hotels by Marriott Suzhou . OUE Limited and OUE Commercial REIT Management announced the reopening of the 446-room Orchard Wing at Hilton Singapore Orchard .