Okinawa

Ultraluxury Resort Boom in Japan

Asian ultraluxury resort companies are expanding into Japan to cater to wealthy overseas travelers and take advantage of the weak yen, with Soneva Holdings planning to open resorts in Japan by 2027 and investing 100 billion yen in new properties. Foreign investment in Japanese hotels increased significantly in recent years, with 2022 seeing a sixfold increase compared to the previous year, and an expected total of 128.5 billion yen in investments in the first six months of the current year. International hotel brands like InterContinental, Wyndham, Marriott, Hyatt, and Accor are actively expanding their presence in various regions, including India, Vietnam, China, Thailand, and Australia, offering a diverse range of accommodations and amenities.

FIFA Women's World Cup Boosted Sydney Hotels

Hotel prices are surging during the upcoming Golden Week in popular cities, driven by the extended Golden Week, which includes the Mid-Autumn Festival and National Day Holiday. Sydney, Australia, experienced record-high performance levels in August 2023 due to the FIFA Women's World Cup, with increased occupancy and average daily rates. Accor is expanding its presence in Japan by adding 23 properties and over 6,000 rooms to its network, with renovations and rebranding set to take place, doubling its presence in the country.

Dusit Aims to Double Portfolio to 100 Hotels by 2025

HCMC's hospitality market remained gloomy in H1 2023 due to slow international tourist arrivals. Ascott Limited is refreshing its hotel-in-residence model, catering to varying lengths of stays with hotel services and amenities. Dusit International expands in Japan with Dusit Thani Kyoto and plans massive expansion in China and India .

Accor to Add 6,000 Rooms in Japan

Chinese investors are shifting their focus from New York City hotels due to hostility towards Chinese capital. Radisson Hotel Group has achieved significant growth in the Asia Pacific and Europe, Middle East, and Africa regions with over 100 hotel openings and signings, particularly in Vietnam, India, Thailand, the Philippines, and China. Several major hotel companies, such as Sands China, Dharampal Satyapal Group, ITC Ltd., Accor, and Hilton, are making significant expansions, acquisitions, and rebranding efforts across Asia.

Jakarta Tourism Rebounds to 2018 Levels

Chinese travelers' spending on travel and tourism within China surged by 95.9% year over year in the first half of the year, with urban residents leading the increase. Jakarta's hotel industry experienced its highest average daily rate and RevPAR levels since October 2018, with June 2023 occupancy reaching 66.7%. Bali will implement a US$10 tax per foreign holidaymaker starting in 2024, aiming to fund environmental initiatives, cultural preservation, and infrastructure development.

India's ITC May Sell Its Hotel Unit

The Philippines Department of Tourism surpasses its tourist arrival target for 2022 and sets a higher goal of 4.8 million tourists for 2023. Banyan Tree Group expands its portfolio with new hotel openings in Vietnam and Japan , along with plans for future properties in various countries. ITC considers demerging its hotels business and exploring alternative business structures after a strong recovery in the industry, with plans for separate listing of the hotel section.

Ritz-Carlton Club Refresh Across Asia Pacific

Marriott International’s Ritz-Carlton is presenting a newly elevated experience at The Ritz-Carlton Club across its Asia Pacific hotels, joining a successful launch in Mainland China last summer. Hanwha Hotels & Resorts signed a memorandum of understanding with Lodgis Hospitality Holdings to forge a strategic partnership to mutually boost each of their hotel and resort portfolios. New Zealand’s Sotheby’s International Realty is listing an exclusive Queenstown  development site, expected to sell for more than $40 million.

Macau Arrivals Highest Since June Outbreak

Macau saw 65,677 visitor arrivals over the weekend in the first two days of the National Day Golden Week. Marriott International announced their JW Marriott brand opened the JW Marriott Khao Lak Resort Suites, an all-suite luxury retreat nestled in a serene beachside setting on southern Thailand’s Andaman coast. Hilton Grand Vacations announced the grand opening ceremony for The Beach Resort Sesoko, a Hilton Club.