Mainland China’s hotel industry surpassed its 2019 comparable in Lunar New Year average daily rate (ADR) even with substantially lower occupancy, according to preliminary data from STR.
The emergence of a new COVID strain, Omicron, in late 2021, threw the global travel sector into upheaval once again, as several countries re-introduced travel restrictions to combat the spread of the highly transmissible virus. The crucial year-end holiday season was significantly disrupted with thousands of flight cancellations, cruises forced to dock, and fewer hotel bookings. As per media reports, over 4,500 flights were canceled worldwide over the Christmas weekend, and more than 3,000 flights, half of which were US flights, were canceled over the New Year. The impact was noticed in India as well, with 30-35% of travelers canceling or rescheduling their January 2022 travel plans as the reintroduction of travel restrictions severely impacted the impressive rebound in domestic travel.
Helped by the Australian Open, Melbourne’s hotel industry reported its highest room rates of the pandemic-era, according to preliminary January 2022 data from STR.
Following an abysmal performance in 2020, the Indian hotel sector found some much-needed hope in 2021, as it made steady headway on the road to recovery. The year began on a promising note with the commencement of the vaccination program, which, combined with a decrease in COVID cases, improved travel sentiment in the country. Domestic leisure travel drove the recovery throughout the year, with business travel also picking up as most businesses and organizations returned to a full or hybrid work-from-office model. Additionally, weddings and social events, as well as the resurgence of small-to-medium-sized domestic MICE events, helped to stimulate hotel demand in 2021.
Overlap between the Lunar New Year, 2022 Winter Olympic Games and the ongoing pandemic will create a conflicting mix of demand drivers for hoteliers in Beijing. With New Year celebrations typically driving travelers out of major metros, the Olympic Games pushing demand into the event center, and China’s zero-tolerance COVID-19 precautions overlaying both major events, February will be a month to remember for the Chinese capital.
Chandigarh, also popularly known as the Tri-city region, is quickly becoming the new hospitality hotspot in India. Following the second wave, Chandigarh's hotel sector has recovered quicker than several other markets in the country, with occupancy rates rising from a low of around 15% in May 2021 – the peak of the second wave – to close to 70% by November 2021, comparable to pre-pandemic levels.
Reflecting the beginning of summer and impact of the holiday season, Sydney’s hotel industry reported its highest room rates of the pandemic-era, according to preliminary December 2021 data from STR.
The year 2021 has been nothing short of a roller coaster ride for the Indian hotel sector. All through the year, the sector has shown resilience by navigating through uncertainty, adapting to an ever-changing environment, and persevering through the ups and downs on the rocky path to recovery. The silver lining being that the leisure segment, which was ignored in the past, is now being awarded its due focus.
On 25 November 2021, STR held the Shenzhen Hotel Data Information Seminar at Hilton Shenzhen Futian.
New research from the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) reveals the recovery of China’s Travel & Tourism sector has soared ahead of many major tourism markets such as France and the U.S., and ahead of the global recovery.
Over recent months, Australia has experienced a number of lockdowns and travel restrictions which have resulted in record low levels of hotel demand. However, as the country enters the summer months and restrictions ease, positive trends are already developing for hoteliers. And while an uplift in demand can be observed across many of Australia’s key markets, it is the Gold Coast that is leading charge in forward bookings.
Lifted by the upcoming holiday season, occupancy on the books is rising in Australia’s key hotel markets with Brisbane and Adelaide nearing 70% for New Year’s Eve, according to STR’s Forward STAR.
Reflecting the end of lockdown and eased travel restrictions, Melbourne’s hotel industry reported its highest room rates of the pandemic-era, according to preliminary November 2021 data from STR.
With the surge in travel demand, the Indian hotel sector has been regaining ground faster than expected, with occupancy climbing significantly in recent months, strengthening the sector's hope for a stronger rebound. Domestic leisure travel growth, significant pent-up demand, and the resumption of business travel in the country are all contributing to the strong revival. Weddings and social events are also driving demand in certain markets.
The tourism sector is one of the key economic sectors of the Maldives, Mauritius, Seychelles, Sri Lanka and Zanzibar. Long favoured by holidaymakers from across the world for their crystal-clear waters and palm-tree fringed beaches, these Indian Ocean islands took a severe hit during the pandemic with borders closed in most of the countries.
Rapid growth in Chinese outbound travel demand from 2003 onwards was a key driver for tourism and leisure hospitality in many parts of the world. Can this momentum be regained post-COVID to drive more hotel development?
Tourism around the world is reeling from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, and Hong Kong’s once vibrant industry is no exception. The path to recovery is unclear. In such extreme circumstances, is it even possible for tourism businesses to plan for the future? The answer is yes, say Ms Hanyuan Zhang and Professor Haiyan Song of the School of Hotel and Tourism Management (SHTM) at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University – but only if we can predict the unpredictable.
Indian tourists will be some of the most desirable travellers, given India’s growing economy, young population and rising middle class, according to GlobalData. The leading data and analytics company notes that the country is projected to reach record levels of 29 million outbound trips by 2025 – a buoyant outlook considering the strains of COVID-19.
Goa’s tourism growth story is gradually getting back on track as it has become the go-to holiday destination for domestic tourists since the state reopened post the second wave. Due to the limits on overseas travel, several outbound Indians are also choosing to vacation in Goa. From resorts, hotels, and private villas to dorm rooms and beach huts, Goa has something for everyone. As a result, occupancy has been steadily improving month after month, with September 2021 occupancy approaching pre-pandemic levels for the month and average rates surpassing pre-pandemic levels. With the government taking steps to welcome foreign tourists back, Goa, which is known as one of India’s top beach and nightlife destinations, may soon see a surge in demand from international tourists, allowing it to recover faster than most leisure destinations.
With lengthy lockdowns ending and travel restrictions easing, Australia’s hotel industry has seen recent improvement in hotel occupancy levels, according to preliminary data from STR through 31 October.