Shanghai

Japan and China are emerging as top destinations for global hotel investments due to strong travel demand, economic optimism, and promising returns.

Strong passenger demand, in-person events, and positive industry momentum are driving business travel growth, with global passenger demand up 9.1%, hotel occupancy nearing 70%, and steady travel demand expected through the next quarter.

The majority of projects are concentrated in the upper midscale and upscale segments, which account for 69% of the projects and 65% of the rooms in the pipeline. This focus on mid-to-high-end properties suggests a market shift toward catering to more affluent travelers.

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.

Accor has opened its 700th hotel in China, the Sofitel Shanghai North Bund, coinciding with the Sofitel brand's sixtieth anniversary and the China-France Year of Culture and Tourism.

Japan's hotel business has seen impressive RevPAR growth over the past 15 months due to a late post-pandemic reopening, high inflation, international demand, and a depreciating yen – all despite minimal return of Chinese travelers.

China introduces new measures to enhance travel flexibility and document processing for mainland citizens visiting Macau and Hong Kong, effective May 6.

Six Senses Kyoto, the brand's first urban hotel in Japan, has opened in Kyoto's Higashiyama district, featuring 81 rooms and suites, a spa with unique treatments, and diverse dining options.

Hyatt Hotels launched Caption by Hyatt Zhongshan Park Shanghai, its new lifestyle brand in the Asia Pacific, and opened Hyatt Centric Zhongshan Park Shanghai, the first full-service Hyatt Centric hotel in downtown Shanghai.

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.