H World International

Deutsche Hospitality has undergone a rebranding and is now known as H World International. The strategic move is aimed at bolstering the global expansion efforts of its parent company, H World,

Malaysia led Southeast Asia in foreign tourist arrivals in 2023 with 26 million visitors, followed by Thailand with 24.6 million. Vietnam attracted 12.6 million foreign tourists, reaching only 70% of pre-pandemic levels, while Cambodia’s recovery rate was at 92.48%. Vietnam’s National Authority of Tourism set ambitious goals for 2024, aiming to match pre-pandemic tourism levels despite past challenges. The Philippines exceeded its 2023 tourism target, welcoming over five million international tourists and surpassing pre-pandemic international tourism revenue. Dusit Hotels and Resorts opened Dusit Princess Phatthalung in Thailand, its first in the far south of the country. Regal Hotels International announced a partnership with Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Investment to build about 100 hotels globally, with a significant focus on the Middle East.

China hotel RevPAR increased by 30.7% YoY but was down by -6.8% compared to 2019. South Korea aims to attract 1.5 million Chinese tourists, lifting group visit bans with incentives. H World Group refines strategy for post-pandemic tourism in China, focusing on quality growth and lower-tier cities.

Stock market decline: DJIA and Nasdaq both down, S&P 500 fell, causing investor anxiety due to rising interest rates. Hotel acquisitions and auctions: Apple Hospitality acquires Courtyard by Marriott in Cleveland, Sheraton Bucks County Langhorne hotel up for auction, Holiday Inn in Charleston to become Live Oak in Marriott’s Tribute Portfolio. Hotel developments: Hampton Inn & Suites in Manistee near completion, Resorts World Las Vegas opens private members’ club, Virgin Hotel in Dallas changes ownership, Kona Village in Hawaii opens as a Rosewood Resort.

The Philippines Department of Tourism surpasses its tourist arrival target for 2022 and sets a higher goal of 4.8 million tourists for 2023. Banyan Tree Group expands its portfolio with new hotel openings in Vietnam and Japan , along with plans for future properties in various countries. ITC considers demerging its hotels business and exploring alternative business structures after a strong recovery in the industry, with plans for separate listing of the hotel section.

H World Group sells one-fifth of its OYO stake, generating 500% return on investment. Dalian Wanda Group seeks to offload assets amid financial challenges, including selling a Shanghai hotel and shopping malls. IHG Hotels opens new Holiday Inn property in Melbourne, featuring modern amenities and conference facilities.

Truist lowered their price target on Park Hotels & Resorts to $19 from $20 while maintaining their Buy rating. BRE Hotels & Resorts and The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua are celebrating the recent success of the property following a $100 million transformation. The iconic Fairmont Hotel in downtown Vancouver, Canada, is looking to expand with an annex tower, but it will not provide any additional hotel rooms.

The Chinese Embassy in South Korea has suspended issuing short-term visas for South Korean visitors. This is considered the first retaliatory move against nations imposing Covid-19 curbs on travelers from China. The newly inaugurated Fushoushan Farm Guesthouse in Taiwan is fully booked for the Lunar New Year and 228 Peace Memorial Day holidays. Marriott International’s Tribute Portfolio continues to expand its footprint in Singapore with the opening of The Serangoon House .

Sri Lanka Tourism outlined key strategies to double the arrivals to 1.5 million and generate an income of over $5 billion highlighting the sector as a major economic driver. The number of international tourists arriving in Vietnam reached 596,900 in November, the highest monthly total since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic. Marriott International announced the opening of Le Meridien Seoul Myeongdong  and Moxy Seoul Myeongdong , showing how they continue to expand their lifestyle offering in Seoul, South Korea .