Thailand

Amara Holdings received a voluntary cash offer at 60 cents per share from a consortium linked to Albert Teo, Amara’s CEO, other members of his family, and private equity investor Dymon Asia. In the Q3 2023 China Construction Pipeline Trend Report by Lodging Econometrics , at the end of the quarter, China’s total construction pipeline reached a record high of 3,720 projects with 686,017 rooms, up 3% by projects and unchanged by rooms year-over-year. Dusit International has signed HMA and RMA agreements with Ziogreen Private Limited to manage four properties amidst the beautiful landscapes of Karnataka state, southern India .

The report outlines growth in hotel construction in the Asia Pacific region, highlighting leading countries and cities outside China and forecasts for new hotel openings. The Maldives sees significant international tourist numbers from Russia, India, and China, while Thailand explores controversial plans involving Chinese police presence at tourist spots. Various hotel chains including YOTEL, Radisson, Katrina Group, and Sage Hospitality announce new projects, expansions, or management agreements across Asia Pacific regions.

Phuket's hotel market saw strong growth in the first half of 2023, driven by increased flight volumes, with Russia and China as top tourism markets, and higher room rates post-pandemic. Accor anticipates a surge in hotel conversions due to stricter lending rules, leading to more independent Thai hotel owners seeking franchising, rebranding, or conversion opportunities. Macau plans to invest in attracting foreign tourists but faces challenges due to airport expansion. Wyndham opens its first Wyndham Grand hotel in South Korea, and S Hotels and Resorts launches SO/Maldives in the CROSSROADS Maldives.

Accor aims for a record year in hotel signings across Asia, focusing on Premium, Midscale, and Economy divisions. Thailand offers visa waivers to Indian and Taiwanese tourists to boost its tourism sector. Macau experiences increased hotel occupancy rates, with significant construction plans for additional rooms.

ForwardKeys data reveals that Asia Pacific destinations have seen a travel recovery of over 50% of pre-pandemic international arrivals in the first three quarters of the year, with fourth-quarter bookings improving. Marriott International has opened three premium brand hotels in Vietnam, expanding its portfolio to 19 hotels in the country. S Hotels and Resorts will invest $27 million in renovating resorts in Thailand and Fiji, including upgrades to three SAii Resorts and Outrigger Fiji Beach Resort, with renovations starting in 2023 and premium rooms available for booking from December 2023.

Efforts to attract Chinese tourists to Southeast Asia are falling short, with drops in arrivals to Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam; Thailand's visa exemption offers a temporary boost. Numerous hotel developments across Asia include expansions by Amora Group, partnerships in Malaysia and Indonesia, and potential property transformations in Singapore and Australia. DigiPlus Interactive Corp. aims to resurrect a $500 million casino resort on Boracay Island, hoping for favorable response from the Marcos administration.

Chinese tourists flocked to the Middle East during Golden Week, benefiting destinations like Dubai, Thailand, and Singapore. Plans were unveiled for a hotel in Braddon, Australia, with a unique design inspired by canyons, featuring 119 suites and retail tenancies. Accor plans to open 30 new properties in India, focusing on tier 2 and tier 3 cities, introducing additional brands like Swissotel, Movenpick, and Handwritten Collection.

Outbound travel from China surged significantly during the National Day Holiday, led by younger Chinese travelers. Indonesia became the top source market for Singapore's monthly visitor arrivals, with Chinese visitors staying longer on average. The Postcard Hotel is set to open India's most expensive hotel in Ranthambore and plans to launch several more hotels in 2024.

Macau's Golden Week holiday saw a surge in visitors, with over 932,000 arrivals and high hotel occupancy rates, mainly driven by mainland Chinese tourists. Indonesia plans a significant expansion in its tourism sector, aiming to attract up to $8 billion in investments for specific destinations. Several new hotel properties by Accor and Hilton are announced in countries including Australia, Vietnam, Sri Lanka, and Malaysia.

Philippines sees over 4 million foreign tourist arrivals in 9 months, exceeding tourism spending targets. Thailand's visa-free travel policy for Chinese tourists results in a 30% increase in hotel bookings, approaching 2019 levels. Various developments in the hotel and tourism industry, including a new skyscraper in Tokyo and changes in travel intentions worldwide.