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Opinion Articles

Opinion Article Operations & Strategy

Nurturing Life’s Most Important Moments at the Raffles Singapore

The Raffles Singapore is hallowed ground for the hospitality industry. A pilgrimage to there should be on everyone’s bucket list, but with such a storied past this can create an almost impassable bar for guest expectations. Yet from our latest visit, exceeding expectations is nevertheless the outcome for every guest, and therein lies a world of instruction on how to operate an ultraluxury hotel.

Larry MogelonskyAdam Mogelonsky
By Larry Mogelonsky and Adam Mogelonsky
Singapore, Singapore
Opinion Article Markets & Performance

Slow, But Steady Growth in Traditional Hotel Sector

In Hong Kong, the recent landscape of hospitality investment has pivoted toward conversion projects, with a strong emphasis on co-living spaces and student accommodations, driven by their high yield potential and rising demand in urban centres. However, this focus has somewhat eclipsed the steady, albeit slower, growth within the traditional hotel sector. While co-living and student housing offer innovative opportunities, the hotel industry remains a cornerstone of hospitality, demonstrating resilience and consistent recovery after the pandemic.

Harry Ha
By Harry Ha, Senior Manager, Valuation & Advisory Services, Hong Kong, CBRE Hotels
Hong Kong (SAR)
Opinion Article Markets & Performance

HVS ANAROCK Insights - Navigating the Noise: What US Tariffs Could Mean for Indian Hospitality?

India has received a short break on the tariff front, but the bigger picture remains complex. Earlier this month, the US administration announced a steep 26% tariff on Indian imports, sparking concerns across trade-focused sectors. Fortunately, a 90-day suspension has been granted, offering India, along with several other countries, a temporary pause and a crucial opportunity for trade discussions.Key Indian export sectors like electronics, gems and jewelry, textiles, and auto components are watching the developments closely as these industries have strong export ties with the US. If the tariffs are enforced after the suspension period, many could face higher input costs, lower margins, and reduced global competitiveness.Yet, amidst the uncertainty, there is an underlying opportunity. Trade experts believe this could prompt long-overdue reforms, such as streamlining India’s tariff structures, improving import policies, and increasing investments to strengthen domestic manufacturing and supply chains. As trade talks progress over the coming weeks, the spotlight will be on how India positions itself, not just in relation to the US, but within the rapidly evolving global trade landscape.The travel and hospitality sector in India, while not directly impacted by the tariffs, could feel the ripple effects over time. With the global economic environment in a state of flux, marked by protectionist trade policies, recessionary signals in some regions, and general uncertainty, travel demand may begin to soften. These factors can influence discretionary spending, which in turn could affect both corporate and leisure travel.

Mandeep Lamba
By Mandeep Lamba, MRICS, President (South Asia), New Delhi, HVS
India
Opinion Article Markets & Performance

In Focus: Singapore

Singapore, a city-state spanning 734 square kilometres with a population of approximately 6.04 million, remains one of the world’s top travel and business destinations. Its modern infrastructure, cultural diversity, and strategic location continue to attract millions of visitors annually.

Hok Yean Chee
By Hok Yean Chee, Regional President of HVS Asia Pacific, HVS
Singapore
Opinion Article Sales & Marketing

2024 India Accommodation Barometer: Key Trends and Insights

2024 has been a standout year for Indian hoteliers, with positive sentiments expressed by survey respondents across all major economic metrics. Twothirds of Indian accommodations reported good or very good business performance over the past six months, reflecting a substantial improvement from 2023 when the Barometer survey was first conducted. In comparison, only half of accommodations expressed similar optimism last year.

Yang Li
By Yang Li, Head of Public Affairs, Asia Pacific, Booking.com
India
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Opinion Article Markets & Performance

HVS Monday Musings: Hotel Sector’s Big Debate - Asset Light or Asset Right?

The Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL) has recently been making significant strides in the global hospitality industry. With Brand Finance ranking Taj as the world's strongest hotel brand for the third time recently, and the remarkable growth in the company’s market capitalization, IHCL's ascent into the Top 5 global Hotel Management companies (by market cap) is a testament to its growing global presence and influence. This recognition not only highlights IHCL's success but also places the Indian hospitality market in the global spotlight in line with the country’s ascent among the top 5 global economies.

Mandeep LambaDipti Mohan
By Mandeep Lamba and Dipti Mohan
India
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Opinion Article Markets & Performance

A Deep Dive Into Japan’s Hotel ADR Growth Trends

Japan’s growth in hotel revenue per available room (RevPAR) has remained extremely impressive over the past 15 months – a function of a later opening post-pandemic, above-average inflation, and an influx of international demand. That’s largely reflected in average-daily-rate (ADR) growth, although through much of 2023, the first and third points helped drive double-digit occupancy increases as well.

Kelsey Fenerty
By Kelsey Fenerty, Manager Analytics, STR, CoStar
Japan
Opinion Article Sales & Marketing

Time to reconnect with China: why and how

Before the Covid pandemic disrupted global travel, China was well established as the biggest tourism source market in the world, with an accumulated 155 million outbound trips and a spend of USD 250 billion in 2019. No other market even came close. Chinese travellers were highly sought after, either for their sheer numbers or for their high travel spend. Sometimes both.

Oliver Sedlinger
By Oliver Sedlinger, Co-Founder and CEO of Sedlinger & Associates, Sedlinger & Associates Ltd
China
Opinion Article Finance

The return of the Chinese tourist?

This second part of EHL Institutional Visibility’s three-part series on China looks into the long-awaited return of Chinese tourists. It also addresses shifting trends in Chinese travel. We turn to Dr Yong Chen, Associate Professor of Economics at EHL Hospitality Business School, for insights.

Andrew Brenner
By Andrew Brenner, Andrew Brenner, Translator and Editor, EHL
China