STR said Sydney’s monthly hotel performance reached a pandemic-era high, according to preliminary September 2022 data from STR. Occupancy was 71.8%, average daily rate was A$252.13 and RevPAR was A$181.05. The market’s occupancy and RevPAR levels were the highest since February 2020 while ADR was the highest since February 2018. The highest occupancy level was recorded on Saturdays with September 17 at 89.4%, helped by the AFL preliminary final. STR said their Forward STAR data showed October occupancy on the books in Sydney at 54%, illustrating a strong base for demand to continue upwards.
Singapore international visitor arrivals continue to be strong but The Business Times said the momentum appears to have slowed down in recent months. Analysts believe the city-state is on track to receive some six million visitors this year, in the upper band of the original forecast. Visitor arrivals in September hit 752,305, the eighth straight month of growth. Year to date, Singapore has logged 3.7 million international visitors. September’s results were about half of what it was in September 2019.
InterContinental Sydney announced the completion of its extensive renovation program to welcome the hotel’s next chapter. Located in Sydney’s Treasury building of 1851, the landmark hotel has undergone a comprehensive $120 million transformation, which included a redesign of its guestrooms, public spaces, wellness areas, club lounge, restaurants and bars. Each of the hotel’s 509 generously sized rooms and suites have been reimagined with a modern new design, features and amenities. The Club Rooms have been refreshed and will have access to the hotel’s new Club InterContinental lounge located within the property’s reimagined rooftop space. Included in the redesign was the hotel’s entrance and reception area, a sensory transition with structural elements, materials and textures to explore. The wellness amenities have been revitalized and continue to incorporate a state of the art gym and an indoor heated pool that floats 31 stories high, enjoying an abundance of natural light and views overlooking the Sydney Opera House. The relaunch also includes the public opening of Aster Bar on level 32. The rooftop space is now open to hotel guests and locals alike. The Treasury is a new bar and dining destination and there is the newly designed breakfast space, The Conservatory.
SET-listed Ananda Development plans to develop a mix of residential projects comprising a wellness center, hotels and an international school on a 500-rai inland plot in Phuket. The first phase begins next year. The new mixed-use project will have several partners co-investing as there will be many components developed on the plot, which the company acquired from the Ruangkritya family.
The Fern Hotels & Resorts announced the opening of The Fern Seaside Luxurious Tent Resort, Diu. This is the chain’s third resort in the Union Territory of Daman and Diu after the earlier launches of a Fern and a Beacon resort in Daman. The Fern Seaside Luxurious Tent Resort is located on the scenic Nagoa Beach in Diu. The resort offers 81 well-furnished tents with multiple food and beverage options serving multinational cuisine. The property offers four different categories of tents: Winter Green Garden View, Winter Green Pool View, Winter Green Sea View and Fern Club Garden View Tents. The hotel provides ample dining options as well.
Indian Hotels Company announced the opening of Sawai Man Mahal in Jaipur. The heritage palace set in the environs of the Rambagh Palace, pays tribute to Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II, the last ruler of the state of Jaipur. The hotel has 51 rooms that open into private courtyards laced with greenery. The hotel includes a Spanish-themed all-day diner La Mesa and La Terraza, an al-fresco dining choice. 1835 is the library-themed cocktail lounge. The gold-accented ballroom is Maharani Mahal, overlooking the expansive Maharani Bagh. The palace also offers an outdoor pool, fitness center and a Jiva Spa for rejuvenation. With this addition, IHCL now has eight hotels in Jaipur with two under development.
OYO announced the promotion of Shreerang Godpole as the company’s Chief Service Officer and Shirish Damani as the Chief Revenue Officer. Shreerang was previously SVP – Consumer Product while Shirish has been leading the revenue function at OYO Vacation Homes. The acquisition of Leisure Group has been the highlight of Shirish’s seven year stint at OYO.
Vilas Pawar has been appointed Lemon Tree Hotels’ franchise division’s CEO while Shivali Verma will be its Vice President, Commercial & Franchise Services. Rajinder Kapur was named Vice President for Finance & Legal. The franchise division was created to monetize its existing brands and expand its network of franchise hotels.
The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts announced the appointment of Shanu Ammunni as Vice President – Information Technology for The Leela portfolio. His previous work experience includes positions with Marriott, Wyndham and IHG Hotels & Resorts across the Middle East. Prior to joining The Leela, he was Group Director of IT, Hospitality at Al Mulla Group in Dubai.
The Address Beach Resort Bahrain, a property of Dubai-based Emaar, will be open to the public on the shores of Marassi Al Bahrain in just a matter of weeks. The 117 key hotel also includes 154 residences. There will be various dining options across The Restaurant, The Lounge and The Garden. The property is a beachfront retreat, sitting on the shores of Marassi Al Bahrain. Amenities include a world-class spa, a fully equipped gym, and pool. There is also a Kids’ Club and splash pad for the younger ones. Also included at Address Beach Resort Bahrain will be venues for events from weddings to functions, business meetings and conferencing.
