Chandigarh

China's Golden Week started with 96,671 visitors to Macau on Monday, and despite last year's high numbers, the tourism office predicts a lower daily average of 100,000 arrivals from October 1-7.

Capella Hotels announced the opening of Capella Kenting, a world-class resort in Southern Taiwan, set for 2028, featuring Taiwan's largest hotel rooms and extensive luxury amenities.

KKR and Marriott International announced their entry into Japan's midscale hospitality market, with the conversion of 14 acquired Unizo hotels into Four Points Express by Sheraton, marking Marriott's midscale debut in Asia Pacific.

Brookfield Asset Management is planning to list its luxury hotel chain, The Leela Palaces, Hotels & Resorts, which represents the largest-ever foreign investment in the Indian hospitality sector.

Accor plans to expand its Indian portfolio by introducing 30 new hotels, adding 5,500 rooms over the next 3-5 years, and is set to open luxury hotels including Sofitel Jaipur Jawahar Circle and Raffles Jaipur.

The all-new Four Seasons Hotel Dalian is the first international luxury brand to open in the Chinese city in the past decade, while the forthcoming property in Okinawa will open in 2027.

Banyan Tree Group is celebrating its 30th anniversary with the change in name to Banyan Group. The company said the brand shift reflects the group’s evolution into a dynamic, multi-brand hospitality powerhouse.

The Philippines is close to reaching its annual goal of 4.8 million tourist arrivals, with nearly 4.1 million arrivals in the first 10 months of 2023. South Korea remains the top source of inbound tourists. Hotel prices in Malaysia may increase by 30% due to a rise in the Sales and Services Tax, excluding food and beverages or telecommunications. Consumers are expected to pay higher room rates. Sri Lanka anticipates its best tourism year in 2024, with exceeding arrival and revenue targets for this year. Plans to accommodate higher arrivals include expanding accommodation in Colombo and other areas.

Chinese tourists flocked to the Middle East during Golden Week, benefiting destinations like Dubai, Thailand, and Singapore. Plans were unveiled for a hotel in Braddon, Australia, with a unique design inspired by canyons, featuring 119 suites and retail tenancies. Accor plans to open 30 new properties in India, focusing on tier 2 and tier 3 cities, introducing additional brands like Swissotel, Movenpick, and Handwritten Collection.

H ilton’s Asia Pacific president, Alan Watts , told Nikkei Asia that they expect hotel guest numbers in China to return to their pre-pandemic levels by year-end . The Macau Daily Times said they are being told the recent spike in hotel room prices in Macau is driving international visitors away. SJM Holdings Ltd said they plan to launch the remainder of the hotel room inventory at its Grand Lisboa Palace on Cotai in Macau  within the next quarter.