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Asia-Pacific
Japan Expects Hotel Occupancy Improvement in 2024
Japan’s hotel industry experienced significant growth in 2023, achieving top global tourist destination status, with a rebound in foreign visits and high investment despite not reaching 2019 levels. -
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
Accor Plans 30 New Hotels in India
Accor plans to expand its Indian portfolio by introducing 30 new hotels, adding 5,500 rooms over the next 3-5 years, and is set to open luxury hotels including Sofitel Jaipur Jawahar Circle and Raffles Jaipur. -
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
Oyo Said to Seek $400 Million Fundraise
Khazanah Nasional Berhad, the sovereign wealth fund of Malaysia, is in discussions to lead a $400 million funding round for OYO Hotels & Homes Pvt. -
Asia-Pacific
Minor Is Bullish on Thailand
Minor International said they expect foreign tourist arrivals to Thailand to exceed 34 million, ahead of the government’s forecast. -
Asia-Pacific
Thailand and Vietnam Set Their Tourism Targets
The Thai hotel industry anticipates a full recovery from the pandemic by late 2024, with Phuket remaining a top destination. Thai hotels had a 60% occupancy rate in 2023, a surge attributed to direct overseas flights and visa-free entry for several countries. Vietnam’s tourism authority targets 17-18 million international visitors in 2024, with a revenue goal of 840 trillion VND. In 2023, Vietnam exceeded its 12.5 million visitor target and saw 108 million domestic trips, generating 678 trillion VND in revenue. Marriott International plans to open new Ritz-Carlton and Marriott Marquis hotels in Beijing by 2026, enhancing their presence in China. The Sheraton Colombo Hotel, Marriott’s second in Sri Lanka, has opened, offering luxury amenities and strategic location. -
Asia-Pacific
The State of Asia Pacific Hotel Pipeline at End of Q3 2023
The report outlines growth in hotel construction in the Asia Pacific region, highlighting leading countries and cities outside China and forecasts for new hotel openings. The Maldives sees significant international tourist numbers from Russia, India, and China, while Thailand explores controversial plans involving Chinese police presence at tourist spots. Various hotel chains including YOTEL, Radisson, Katrina Group, and Sage Hospitality announce new projects, expansions, or management agreements across Asia Pacific regions. -
Asia-Pacific
New Singapore Hotel Transforms Decommissioned Buses into Luxury Suites
The Philippines is close to reaching its annual goal of 4.8 million tourist arrivals, with nearly 4.1 million arrivals in the first 10 months of 2023. South Korea remains the top source of inbound tourists. Hotel prices in Malaysia may increase by 30% due to a rise in the Sales and Services Tax, excluding food and beverages or telecommunications. Consumers are expected to pay higher room rates. Sri Lanka anticipates its best tourism year in 2024, with exceeding arrival and revenue targets for this year. Plans to accommodate higher arrivals include expanding accommodation in Colombo and other areas. -
Asia-Pacific
Radisson’s Luxury Brands Expand in Southeast Asia and the Pacific
Sentosa Island in Singapore is on track to recover its pre-pandemic visitor numbers within one to two years, with new projects like Raffles Sentosa Resort & Spa and Sentosa Sensoryscape expected to boost visitation. Macau SAR experienced a -28.6% decline in visitor arrivals in September, but it anticipates a potential increase in October, aiming to reach 24 million visitors by the end of the year. Accor has become the world’s largest player in extended-stay hotels outside of the United States, offering various brands such as Novotel Living and Adagio, with plans to open new properties in different locations.