Xi'an

The Philippine Department of Tourism achieved over 5 million international visitors in 2023, nearing pre-pandemic levels, with a focus on their National Tourism Development Plan 2023-2028. China's tourism rebound is driven by domestic demand, though sustainability into the next year is uncertain. The Hongkong and Shanghai Hotels announced executive changes effective 2024, with a formal search for a new CEO.

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.

The GBTA Business Travel Outlook shows Asia Pacific is forecast for significant growth, with travel spending gaining 41% to US$567 billion this year. Trip.com said outbound travel order for the upcoming Golden Week increased nearly 20 times, and domestic travel increased more than four times over the Golden Week period last year. Accor announced their Novotel brand’s fiftieth hotel opening in Greater China with its newest destination, Novotel Xi’an Aden.

The FIFA Women's World Cup 2023 generated $2.98 billion in travel and retail spending in NSW, boosting the economy and drawing record audiences to hospitality venues. Hilton plans to open 25 new luxury hotels in the Asia Pacific region, including its Waldorf Astoria brand in countries like Malaysia, Vietnam, and India. Hotel Properties received approval for a S$1-2 billion project to redevelop prime properties on Orchard Road. The redevelopment includes twin skyscrapers, retail, office, residential spaces, and a performance theater, making it Orchard Road's largest property redevelopment.

China has a hotel construction pipeline of 3,666 projects with 678,965 rooms. Mid-level upscale and upper midscale projects are active. Hilton, IHG, and Marriott lead the franchise companies. Vietnam's luxury hotel supply grew 6.2% in H1 2023, with 235 five-star and 354 four-star hotels. The country served 4.3 million overnight visitors. Accor plans 10+ new hotels in India and supports unbranded hotels with the Cozzet Collection.

STR  reported China hotel RevPAR was up 99% year over year for the week ended May 13 . According to Lodging Econometrics’ latest China Construction Pipeline Trend Report , China’s total hotel construction pipeline stand sat at 3,659 projects/680,959 rooms at the end of Q1 2023. Macau visitor arrivals rose 16.2% in April from March, up 275% year over year, to 2,274,050.

Vietnamese travelers are said to be opting for outbound tours due to the significant increase in the price of domestic flights as the holiday season approaches, according to travel agents and tour operators. The South China Morning Post said hotel room rates in Hong Kong are surging ahead of the Labour Day holiday. The number of visitor arrivals to Macau in March rose by 271.4% year over year to 1,956,867, according to the Statistics and Census Service.

The total number of esports hotels in China exceeded 20,000 by the end of February this year, with the occupancy rate reaching an average of 60%. Trip.com said the interest in travel to mainland China has bounced back since the country resumed foreign visa applications. HVS Anarock’s latest report on India says occupancy will improve to 66% at hotels in 2023.

Finn Partners released the results of their latest report, Outbound Rebound: The Return of Chinese Travelers . Marriott International announced plans to expand its portfolio in Greater China with the expected addition of 47 hotels in 2023, comprising more than 12,000 rooms. Accor announced the opening of Grand Mercure Hanoi, a new premium hotel in Vietnam .

IHG Hotels & Resorts said the are pursuing an ambitious expansion plan in Greater China that explores popular and emerging destinations. Hilton’s upscale focused service brand, Hilton Garden Inn , announced the opening of its fiftieth property in Greater China. Brisbane’s $3.6 billion Queen’s Wharf Brisbane resort and casino will officially open before Christmas.