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Asia-Pacific
Thailand Struggles to Articulate Its Gaming Strategy
A 60 member House committee in Thailand that is tasked with considering the possibility of developing Thailand’s first legal casinos continues to have trouble completing the task at hand. -
Asia-Pacific
Sri Lanka Steals Tourism Share From Maldives
The tensions with the Maldives have Indian tourists diverting to other coastal tourist destinations and Sri Lanka is already reaping the benefits, surpassing Maldives in the number of tourists for the first time. -
Asia-Pacific
Hilton Reports 42% Uptick in Asia-Pacific RevPar for Latest Quarter
Hilton reported a solid earnings report yesterday and said full year APAC RevPAR was up 587% versus 2022. It also said Beijing, Tokyo and Kuala Lumpur were standout markets for them. -
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
Radisson’s Strategic Expansion in South-East Asia
Macau expects 28 million visitors in 2023, nearing 74% of 2019 levels, with predictions for further growth in 2024. New hotel developments and renovations across Asia , including the Courtyard by Marriott in Kyoto , Japan , and the Chiang Mai Marriott Hotel in Thailand . Radisson expands in South-east Asia, targeting markets like Sri Lanka and the Philippines , while Sun Siyam Pasikudah in Sri Lanka and Lemon Tree Hotels in Karnataka, India , announce new properties. -
Asia-Pacific
Outbound Chinese Travel Preferences Shift to Singapore, Europe and South Korea
Chinese tourists are showing decreased interest in Japan and Thailand, partly due to Japan’s Fukushima wastewater release and negative perceptions from movies about Thailand. Consequently, Singapore, Europe, South Korea, Malaysia, and Australia have become more popular destinations. M Social opens its first hotel in Suzhou, China, and Indian Hotels Company plans to expand its Ginger brand across India. Other developments include the opening of the Ramada Encore by Wyndham in Amritsar, India, and new properties in Goa and Hong Kong under different brands. Sun Siyam Pasikudah in Sri Lanka reopens after renovations, and Berjaya Land Bhd secures a loan for developing the Four Seasons Resort in Okinawa, Japan. -
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
Hilton’s Planned Hotel Openings in Asia Pacific
JLL’s Hotel Momentum India report said a total of 59 hotels comprising around 4,700 keys were signed in India in the last quarter. Hilton announced some of their 2024 planned openings in the Asia Pacific region. First up will be Conrad Singapore Orchard on January 1. The Sri Lanka Convention Bureau is working to establish the country’s Northern province as a destination for MICE for South India . -
Asia-Pacific
Accor Welcomes 23 Mercure and Grand Mercure Hotels in Japan
Accor is rebranding 23 Daiwa Resorts properties in Japan as Mercure and Grand Mercure hotels in 2024. The first Hyatt Place hotel in Johor Bahru, Malaysia, is now open, connected to Paradigm Mall. Swiss-Belhotel International rebranded an upscale property in Surabaya, Indonesia, as the Grand Swiss-Belhotel Darmo. -
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.