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Asia-Pacific
Vietnam Sets International Tourism Goal at 18 Million
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. -
Asia-Pacific
Sydney Hotels Achieve Record-Breaking Occupancy and Rates
Sydney hotels achieved their highest occupancy levels on New Year’s Eve at 94% followed by 93.8% on December 2nd. There were only two days in the month when occupancy was not above the 60% mark. -
Asia-Pacific
Nomura Predicts Chinese Tourism Level for 2024
Nomura reports that China’s outbound tourism faces significant recovery challenges through 2024-2025, due to eased supply constraints but hampered by economic issues and reduced consumer demand, with a forecasted recovery to 73% of 2019’s travel levels by year-end. -
Asia-Pacific
Maldives Hotel Bookings Are Victims of Social Media Spat
China’s hotel RevPAR surged 56.1% year-over-year for the week ending December 30th, showing a significant recovery compared to the previous year’s decline. The Maldives experienced a backlash from Indian tourists, with a significant number of hotel booking and flight ticket cancellations, following offensive comments by Maldivian politicians against Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Major hotel groups are announcing new projects and expansions, such as Accor’s partnership to launch Grande Mercure Jaipur Kukas in India, and Oberoi Group’s legal setback in Himachal Pradesh. -
Asia-Pacific
Thailand and Vietnam Set Their Tourism Targets
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. -
Asia-Pacific
The Peninsula’s Parent Company Seeks a New CEO
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. -
Asia-Pacific
Tokyo Leads Asia with Record Occupancy and Rates
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. -
Asia-Pacific
Trip.com Reports Surge in China Inbound Travel Searches
Today’s report highlights significant growth in global search results for inbound travel to China, with Trip.com noting a nearly 40% increase in 3Q23. New properties and expansions are underway, including The Grand Mercure Lampung Hotel in Indonesia and the first Four Points by Sheraton in Kuala Lumpur. The Imperial in New Delhi is undergoing a significant reinvention, including refurbishing historical furniture and revamping its food and beverage operations. -
Asia-Pacific
Wyndham Grand Makes Debut in Kuala Lumpur
Wyndham Grand debuts in Kuala Lumpur and Hilton’s Curio Collection enters India, while Hotel Indigo Sydney Potts Point launches after a significant refurbishment. Hyatt and IHCL plan extensive expansions in India, while Genting invests in Sentosa. The Westin Tokyo undergoes a major makeover, and Candeo Hotels integrates a historic temple in Osaka. -
Asia-Pacific
Hilton’s Planned Hotel Openings in Asia Pacific
JLL’s Hotel Momentum India report said a total of 59 hotels comprising around 4,700 keys were signed in India in the last quarter. Hilton announced some of their 2024 planned openings in the Asia Pacific region. First up will be Conrad Singapore Orchard on January 1. The Sri Lanka Convention Bureau is working to establish the country’s Northern province as a destination for MICE for South India .