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Asia-Pacific
Chinese Outbound Travel Continues to Expand
Singapore has urged Chinese authorities to restore flight capacity between the two nations to pre-Covid levels as soon as possible in a bid to improve business and tourism ties. South Korea will increase the number of flights into the country from China to 80 from 62 per week by the end of this month. European Union countries have agreed to phase out pre-departure Covid testing for travelers from China by the end of the month. -
Asia-Pacific
APAC Hotel Construction Pipeline at End of Q4
According to Lodging Econometrics’ Q4 Construction Pipeline Trend Report for the Asia Pacific region , excluding China , the region’s total construction pipeline stands at 1,903 projects/404,222 rooms, up 5% by projects and 2% by rooms YOY. South Korea’s government will remove its entry restrictions for short-term travelers from China . Singapore property tycoon Koh Wee Meng , via his entity JK Global Wealth , made an offer of 12 cents a share for the rest of developer Global Dragon . -
Asia-Pacific
Philippines to Start Tax Refunds for Tourists
Singapore hotels’ average room rate was up 27.7% in December 2022 from a year ago to a new 14 year high of S$285.84. Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos has approved a value-added tax refund program for foreign tourists by 2024 to attract more visitors. The first Hilton hotel in Japan’s Hokuriku region has opened. The DoubleTree by Hilton Toyama is located within a three-minute walk of Toyama Station. -
Asia-Pacific
Macau Marks Highest Visitation Numbers in 3 Years
Macau has received 245,000 visitors in the first four days of the Chinese New Year/Spring Festival holiday week. Wyndham Hotels & Resorts announced the signing of The Earth Amritsar, Trademark Collection by Wyndham, its first hotel for the brand in India . Sarovar Hotels and Resorts announced the opening of Shyama Sarovar Portico in the city of Orai, Uttar Pradesh in India. -
Asia-Pacific
Thailand May Add Tourism Fee and Expand Domestic Hotel Subsidy
Hotels in Thailand still want the government to accelerate the launch of the new phase of the domestic stimulus scheme even with an influx of Chinese tourists expected to show up. Hyatt Hotels announced the opening of Andaz Pattaya Jomtien Beach , the debut of the Andaz brand in Thailand . IHG Hotels & Resorts has opened its first Crowne Plaza hotel in Bangladesh in partnership with Doreen Hotels & Resorts -
Asia-Pacific
TFE Hotels, ShriGo Hotels and Grand Amanta Expand
STR said China hotel RevPAR the week ended 12/24 was down -21.9% year over year and down -38.9% versus the same week in 2019. Marriott International said its transformation of the Sheraton Hotels & Resorts brand continues to build momentum across the globe. TFE Hotels will launch into 2023, opening three new-build hotels in the first half. The Adina Apartment Hotel Pentridge Melbourne will open in Australia in February. -
Asia-Pacific
Philippines Positioned for Surge in Tourism
Colliers is recommending developers in the Philippines line up various hotel projects in order to capture the surge in local and foreign tourists. Alliance Global Group, Inc. will accelerate expansion plans in the Philippines as they bet on a second wave of spending with the expected opening of the Chinese economy. The Clarks Hotels & Resorts strengthened its international footprint by opening Clarks Exotica Kamadhoo Maldives . -
Asia-Pacific
Covid Cases Triple in Macau
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Asia-Pacific
Thailand Hits 10 Million Visitors, Hyatt Expands in Chengdu
Thailand celebrated the arrival of its 10 millionth international visitor of 2022 on Saturday, according to the tourism authority. Accor signed its first multiple-property framework agreement with Asset World Corporation , Thailand’s leading integrated lifestyle real estate group. Hyatt Hotels Corporation announced Hyatt Place Chengdu Bio-Town, the second Hyatt Place hotel in Chengdu . -
Asia-Pacific
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.