2020: WORST YEAR IN TOURISM HISTORY WITH 1 BILLION FEWER INTERNATIONAL ARRIVALS

Global tourism suffered its worst year on record in 2020, with international arrivals dropping by 74% according to the latest data from the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO). Destinations worldwide welcomed 1 billion fewer international arrivals in 2020 than in the previous year, due to an unprecedented fall in demand and widespread travel restrictions. This compares with the 4% decline recorded during the 2009 global economic crisis.

COVID-19 Cash Burn Continues - Urgent Preparations for Restart

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) released new analysis showing that the airline industry is expected to remain cash negative throughout 2021. Previous analysis (November 2020) indicated that airlines would turn cash positive in the fourth quarter of 2021. At the industry level, airlines are now not expected to be cash positive until 2022.

Katara Hospitality expands partnership with Accor through signing of First Fairmont & Raffles Lusail Hotel & Residences in Qatar

Katara Hospitality, a leading global hotel owner, developer and operator based in Qatar, announced a new partnership with Accor, a world-leading hospitality group with the two-fold signing of Raffles and Fairmont hotels in Qatar.

Wyndham Hotels & Resorts Arrives in Cambodia with the Opening of Sihanoukville First International Five-Star Hotel

Howard Johnson Plaza by Wyndham Blue Bay Sihanoukville opens along Independence Beach with views of the glittering gulf as Wyndham continues its growth momentum in the Asia Pacific region

IHG to open Thailand largest Crowne Plaza in the heart of Bangkok

InterContinental Hotels Group has signed an agreement with Sukhumvit Centre Point to take on the management of Grand Sukhumvit Bangkok hotel in 2021.

Global Tourism Crisis Committee Meets Again

Consistent and harmonized travel protocols, enhanced safety measures and the protection of jobs and livelihoods are the main ingredients needed for the restart of tourism. The Sixth meeting of the UNWTO Global Tourism Crisis Committee reminded participants of the need to work together as the only means of advancing the sustainable recovery of the sector.

Qatar hotel sector to welcome new hotels and leisure destinations

Qatar National Tourism Council (QNTC) has announced the launch of two new hotel and leisure destinations, opening late 2020 and early 2021.

G20 Tourism to save 100 million jobs

In a historic first, G20 Tourism Ministers hosted more than 45 CEOs and Members of WTTC, who presented their plan to save the embattled Travel and Tourism sector and 100m jobs globally.

UNWTO Launches Comprehensive Tourism Recovery Tracker

As growing numbers of countries around the world ease restrictions on travel, the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) has launched a new Tourism Recovery Tracker to support global tourism.

Airbnb Launches City Portal

UNWTO and EBRD join forces for web tool for green technologies

The EBRD and the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) are joining forces to promote sustainable tourism, accelerate the transfer of climate finance and make green technologies more accessible for the tourism sector through the Bank online shopping-style platform Green Technology Selector.

Fairfield By Marriott to expand its presence in Japan with 11 New Hotels

Marriott International has announced it has signed an agreement with Japanese real estate developer, Sekisui House, to bring 11 new Fairfield by Marriott hotels to Japan.

Second Wave Brings Uncertainty to Business Travel Recovery

The majority of Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) companies expect their employees to return to in-person events in 2021.

Potential of Domestic Tourism to help drive economic recovery

As restrictions on travel begin to ease globally, destinations around the world are focusing on growing domestic tourism, with many offering incentives to encourage people to explore their own countries.

Preferred Hotels & Resorts welcomes 13 new hotels

Preferred Hotels & Resorts has announced 13 new member hotels from May 1 through August 31, 2020. These recent additions mark 39 new member hotels to join the its global portfolio in the first 8 months of the year

IHG Signs two new hotels In Bangladesh

InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) has signed a management agreement with Evalona Limited for two new build hotels in Bangladesh. The 200-room Holiday Inn Resort Kuakata is due to open in early 2026 and the 150-rooms Crowne Plaza Kuakata will open its doors to guests in Q1 2028.

Middle East hotel construction pipeline continues to show signs of decline

According to the latest published Construction Pipeline Trend Report for the Middle East, analysts at Lodging Econometrics (LE) state at the end of the second quarter of 2020, the hotel construction pipeline in the Middle East decelerated once again to 591 projects/169,538 rooms.

China Hotel Construction Pipeline continues to trend upward

China total hotel construction pipeline continues to trend upward to an all-time high of 3574 projects and 647704 rooms. Up 19% by projects and 9% by rooms year-over-year (YOY), this is the 12th consecutive quarter China pipeline has increased.

Avani to open 10 hotels by 2022

Thailand Minor Hotels has confirmed that its Avani Hotels & Resorts brand is on track to open more than ten new properties in the next few years, including debuting in four new countries.

Ascott Coliving Brand signs 6 properties in Australia, China and The Philippines

CapitaLand wholly owned lodging business unit, The Ascott Limited continues to see strong demand for its coliving brand lyf, which caters to a growing segment of millennials who seek flexibility, value and enriching community experiences. Ascott is adding over 1,000 units across six new lyf properties.