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Asia-Pacific
Vietnam to Relax Visa Rules to Boost Visitors
Vietnam Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh instructed his cabinet to relax certain visa requirements in a bid to attract more foreign tourists to the country. The Economic Times said many more hotels will be signed in India this year compared to last year with some chains even considering doubling their signing numbers from last year. Wyndham Hotels & Resorts announced strong growth in Asia Pacific as it closed out 2022, diversifying its offerings for guests and owners across the region. -
Asia-Pacific
Thailand’s Latest Hotel Subsidy
STR said China Hotel RevPAR , the week ending March 4, was up 67.2% year over year. The Bangkok Post reported that 112,876 room nights were reserved out of 560,000 available within six hours of the latest phase of Thailand’s hotel subsidy program going live. Marriott International announced plans to introduce the Ritz-Carlton to Phuket, Thailand following the signing of an agreement with Asset World Corporation . -
Asia-Pacific
Is Chinese New Year Travel Going Well or Not?
STR gave their 2022 summary, saying among the global regions, Asia was the only one to see a decline in revenue per available room when compared with 2019. There seems to be a different in opinion about how Chinese New Year is going for the Asian region. Japan Today published an article saying Asia travel hotspots are quiet as Chinese tourists stay away, but the article seems to miss the true situation. Dow Jones, on the other hand, published an article saying China’s tourism sector has recovered to pre-pandemic levels with travelers venturing out during the Chinese New Year holidays. -
Asia-Pacific
TFE Hotels, ShriGo Hotels and Grand Amanta Expand
STR said China hotel RevPAR the week ended 12/24 was down -21.9% year over year and down -38.9% versus the same week in 2019. Marriott International said its transformation of the Sheraton Hotels & Resorts brand continues to build momentum across the globe. TFE Hotels will launch into 2023, opening three new-build hotels in the first half. The Adina Apartment Hotel Pentridge Melbourne will open in Australia in February. -
Asia-Pacific
China Won’t Ease Zero-Covid Policy Anytime Soon
The commentary from President Xi at the National Congress in Beijing certainly did not sound like the Zero-Covid policy that has hampered tourism and business travel in and outside of China is going to change anytime soon. Anantara Chiang Mai Resort recently hosted an event to celebrate the renovations at the property. Chatrium Hospitality is set to unveil Chatrium Grand Bangkok on November 28, 2022. The hotel is located in the city’s Siam area and is an enhanced version of Chatrium’s luxury collection. -
Asia-Pacific
Standard International Seeks APAC Expansion
Dajia Insurance Group Co has put three hotels in the US up for sale, hoping to generate US$1.3 billion to take advantage of an expected surge in leisure travel and resort business. U.S. hotel operator Standard International is betting on Thailand’s post-pandemic tourism recovery. Bloomberg said Standard is hoping to power an expansion in Asia that will see it open properties in popular and less-explored destinations. The new $340 million dual-tower Docklands development in Melbourne, Australia will include a huge rooftop infinity pool, spanning 35 meters when it opens in 2026. -
Asia-Pacific
China Covid Infections Hit 3-Month High
China reported 2,181 new Covid cases on Saturday , with infections surging to a three month high. Real Commercial said Sydney hotel occupancies are beginning to slip but hoteliers are still charging higher room rates. Tuan Sing Holdings is close to announcing plans to redevelop its 550 room Grand Hyatt Hotel in Melbourne’s Collins Street into a major mixed-use development.