Bangkok

Radisson signed a deal to expand in Cambodia and announced even larger growth on its own across India.

A 60 member House committee in Thailand that is tasked with considering the possibility of developing Thailand’s first legal casinos continues to have trouble completing the task at hand.

The tensions with the Maldives have Indian tourists diverting to other coastal tourist destinations and Sri Lanka is already reaping the benefits, surpassing Maldives in the number of tourists for the first time.

Hilton reported a solid earnings report yesterday and said full year APAC RevPAR was up 587% versus 2022. It also said Beijing, Tokyo and Kuala Lumpur were standout markets for them.

A recent implementation of unilateral visa exemptions for 13 European countries was credited for the strong growth in arrivals from the UK, France, Germany, and Russia in January.

In 2023, the Taj brand strengthened its presence in key metro and commercial cities, including Delhi, Cochin, Dhaka, and Bhutan. Vivanta and SeleQtions collectively added 17 hotels while Ginger signed agreements for six new hotels.

Khazanah Nasional Berhad, the sovereign wealth fund of Malaysia, is in discussions to lead a $400 million funding round for OYO Hotels & Homes Pvt.

The Thai hotel industry anticipates a full recovery from the pandemic by late 2024, with Phuket remaining a top destination. Thai hotels had a 60% occupancy rate in 2023, a surge attributed to direct overseas flights and visa-free entry for several countries. Vietnam's tourism authority targets 17-18 million international visitors in 2024, with a revenue goal of 840 trillion VND. In 2023, Vietnam exceeded its 12.5 million visitor target and saw 108 million domestic trips, generating 678 trillion VND in revenue. Marriott International plans to open new Ritz-Carlton and Marriott Marquis hotels in Beijing by 2026, enhancing their presence in China. The Sheraton Colombo Hotel, Marriott's second in Sri Lanka, has opened, offering luxury amenities and strategic location.

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.

The Philippine Department of Tourism achieved over 5 million international visitors in 2023, nearing pre-pandemic levels, with a focus on their National Tourism Development Plan 2023-2028. China's tourism rebound is driven by domestic demand, though sustainability into the next year is uncertain. The Hongkong and Shanghai Hotels announced executive changes effective 2024, with a formal search for a new CEO.