Kuala Lumpur

Thailand is expected to reach pre-pandemic tourism levels of 40 million arrivals this year and potentially 50 million by 2028, contingent on avoiding global or local crises – not to mention whether or not they add casinos.

In May, Indonesia saw a 20.1% year-over-year rise in foreign tourist arrivals to 1.15 million, with hotel occupancy reaching 54%, the highest since December 2023.

The Q1 2024 Hotel Construction Pipeline Trend Report shows significant growth in the Asia Pacific region's hotel construction, with a 7% increase in projects and a 2% increase in rooms year-over-year, led by India, Vietnam, and Indonesia.

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.

Cambodia's tourism, rebounding to 82.5% of 2019 levels in 2023, aims to boost Chinese visitation, focusing on initiatives including potential mutual visa-free policies and increased flights.

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.

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.

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 Tokyo Edition, Ginza, designed by Ian Schrager and Kengo Kuma, is now open with 86 guestrooms, including 10 suites. It follows Edition's first Japan venture with the Tokyo Edition, Toranomon, and features large standard rooms and a blend of old and new architecture. IHG Hotels & Resorts and Accor announce multiple global openings for 2024, including luxury and premium hotels in various locations like France, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Thailand, and others.  Banyan Tree and China Vanke are dissolving their joint ventures, with Banyan Tree acquiring and selling stakes in different ventures for a combined 480 million yuan.

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.