Cebu

A new report says that hotel franchising is rapidly expanding in Southeast Asia, providing local hotel owners significant growth opportunities despite market challenges.

India's hospitality sector in 2023 saw a record investment of $401 million, marking a near fourfold increase from 2022, with robust growth in hotel transactions, signings, and openings, particularly in tier-two cities, and an optimistic revenue growth forecast for FY2025 driven by spiritual tourism.

Katerina Giannouka has left Jumeirah Group, one year into her time as CEO. Thomas Meier, CEOO, will serve as Interim CEO again.

Marriott International had the pleasure of debuting their Moxy Hotels brand in India while also expanding their JW Marriott brand to the city of Surat, Gujarat.

STR reported a 54.2% increase in China's hotel RevPAR compared to last year, with Jakarta hotels reaching record occupancy and RevPAR levels, boosted by events like a Coldplay concert. Accor announced the opening of five new properties in Asia, along with the first Movenpick by Accor destination in Qingdao, China, as part of a strategic alliance with Sunmei Group, planning over 400 new properties across China. IHG, Radisson, and Wyndham announced new hotel openings in Amritsar, Surat, Goa, and Cebu, with IHG's voco Amritsar Airport and Radisson's Uday Palace Navsari targeting diverse locations.

Macau expects 28 million visitors in 2023, nearing 74% of 2019 levels, with predictions for further growth in 2024. New hotel developments and renovations across Asia , including the Courtyard by Marriott in Kyoto , Japan , and the Chiang Mai Marriott Hotel in Thailand . Radisson expands in South-east Asia, targeting markets like Sri Lanka and the Philippines , while Sun Siyam Pasikudah in Sri Lanka and Lemon Tree Hotels in Karnataka, India , announce new properties.

IHG chose Kuala Lumpur as the site of its 150th Hotel Indigo. The new hotel features unique amenities like a living vertical garden and a large-scale installation made from recycled plastic bottles. Pro-invest is preparing to sell an $800 million hotel portfolio, including eight Holiday Inn Express properties across Australia and New Zealand. Best Western is launching its first Aiden property in Southeast Asia in Phu Yen, Vietnam.

Notable are the predictions of 3% to 8% hotel rate hikes in 2024, with Asia leading in occupancy growth. Accor's execution of management agreements for 69 properties across Asia, enhancing its portfolio with over 16,500 keys, is a major development. The reopening of the Mandarin Oriental Singapore after a multi-million dollar transformation underscores significant refurbishment investments in the industry.

China's hotel Revenue Per Available Room (RevPAR) increased by 46.5% for the week ending November 25, 2023, compared to a 2.2% increase year-over-year but was down 2.8% compared to 2019. Curio Collection by Hilton is set to reach its 150th opening by the end of 2023, with 19 new properties, including 10 first-in-market hotels, such as in Kenya, Vietnam, Monaco, Australia, Argentina, and Curacao. Courtyard by Marriott Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport opened on December 1, being the largest in Thailand with 468 rooms and multiple dining options.

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.