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North America
Barclays Previews First Quarter Results for Hotel Groups
Barclays previewed the first quarter for the lodging sector, suggesting mixed RevPAR results due to the March Easter shift, but maintaining expectations for in-line EBITDA among large caps, while adjusting target prices for major hotel brands including Marriott, Hilton, Hyatt, Wyndham, and Choice Hotels. -
Asia-Pacific
Malaysian Budget Hotels to Raise Rates 30%
Malaysian budget hotel owners are raising room rates due to increasing operational costs and taxes, amidst pressures from unlicensed accommodations. -
Asia-Pacific
Thailand’s PM Pushes for Six-Nation Visa for Southeast Asia
Thailand’s Prime Minister proposes a six-nation visa to enhance regional tourism, potentially extending visa validity to 90 days, with a target of 80 million foreign tourist arrivals by 2027. -
Asia-Pacific
Maldives Saw Resort Revenue Drop in 2023
The Maldivian tourism sector experienced a significant revenue decline last year, with resort revenue dropping by $529 million and total tourism revenue decreasing from $5.4 billion to $5 billion, attributed partly to a shift towards guesthouses over traditional resorts. -
North America
CitizenM’s Potential Sale Highlights Value in Boutique Sector
The owners of the CitizenM hotel chain, valued at 2 billion euros five years ago and now expected to double in sale price, are considering selling the rapidly expanded brand with over 40 global locations. -
North America
Choice Hotels Ends Bid to Acquire Wyndham
The market liked this conclusion: both companies’ stock prices rose, with Choice Hotels up 6% and Wyndham Hotels 2%, indicating investor relief – or strategic reassessment. -
North America
Starwood Capital to Transfer 10 Hotels to a SPAC
Starwood Capital Group signed a deal with SPAC Jaws Mustang Acquisition to merge. If completed, the SPAC will become the direct or indirect owner of Starwood entities’ interests in an initial portfolio of 10 properties, including the 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge. -
Asia-Pacific
China Announces New Visa-Free Entry Rules
China introduces 15-day visa-free entry for citizens of six European countries, extending from March 14 to November 30, alongside existing visa agreements with other nations. -
Asia-Pacific
New Four Seasons Properties in Dalian, China and Okinawa, Japan
The all-new Four Seasons Hotel Dalian is the first international luxury brand to open in the Chinese city in the past decade, while the forthcoming property in Okinawa will open in 2027. -
North America
Global Hotel Construction Pipeline Sets a New Record
At the close of 2023, analysts state that the total global construction pipeline stands at 15,196 projects and 2,367,727 rooms, a 7% increase in projects and a 3% increase in rooms year-over-year.