Ascott Residence Trust

Accor announced a share repurchase agreement was reached to buy back a block of seven million of its own shares as part of the €400 million share buyback program of Accor for 2024.

A recent implementation of unilateral visa exemptions for 13 European countries was credited for the strong growth in arrivals from the UK, France, Germany, and Russia in January.

STR reported strong hotel performance in China, with an 88.7% year-over-year increase in RevPAR for the week ending October 28th. The region is showing signs of rapid post-pandemic recovery, reaching occupancy levels similar to Europe and America. Macau recorded over 22.72 million visitor arrivals, with a recent increase in daily arrivals, and the first 10 months of the year reaching 68% of 2019 levels. Various hotel-related developments and partnerships were announced by brands like IHG, Accor, and CapitaLand Ascott Trust across Asia, including new property openings, divestments, and expansions, highlighting continued growth in the region’s hospitality industry.

Stock markets experienced mixed performance, with DJIA and Nasdaq rising, while S&P 500 increased. Mortgage holders who didn’t lock in rates may regret their decision as the 10-year treasury yield rose. Several lodging stocks had varied results, with SHCO and SLNA showing gains, while AINC rebounded and INN, AHT, and VAC hit new lows. SOND declined. B of A Securities raised the price target for Soho House, Argus Research initiated coverage on Choice Hotels, and Baird discussed Hersha Hospitality Trust’s preliminary proxy statement.

The average occupancy rate of Macau’s hotels and guesthouses fell by -6.3 percentage points year over year in June to a very weak 39.1%. Ascott Residence Trust is proposing to acquire nine quality serviced residences, rental housing and student accommodation properties across five countries from its sponsor, The Ascott Limited. Accor , Ennismore , and Funyard shared the early progress of their recently announced strategic partnership to develop the international lifestyle brand, JO&JOE, across China.