Prominent hotel investors, owners and operators representing hundreds of billions of dollars in assets attended the Southeast Asia inaugural edition of the Asia Hotel Industry Conference and Exhibition (AHICE) held at the Pan Pacific Orchard in Singapore this week.
Among the featured hoteliers on stage was Joon Aun Ooi, President of Wyndham Hotels and Resorts Asia Pacific, who spoke about hotel franchise trends and the return of Chinese travelers. Pan Pacific Hotel Group CEO Choe Peng Sum discussed the company's recent expansion into Jakarta and the demand for serviced apartments.
Hilton Asia Pacific President spoke about growth opportunities in the region, while The Ascott Limited and CapitaLand CEO Kevin Goh spoke about the expansion of the resort business and the launch of The Crest Collection in Asia Pacific.
Norman Arundel, EVT's Director of Hotels and Resorts, announced during an interview session that the company has signed an agreement with Rydges Real Estate in Fiji.
Barry Robinson, Travel and Leisure Co President and Managing Director International, discussed the acquisition of Accor Vacation Club and also discussed vacation ownership in depth during a dedicated panel session.
Taylor Swift is the topic on everyone's lips as data analysts, hoteliers and tourism experts reveal the incredible impact The Eras Tour is having on Singapore and other major cities across Asia Pacific.
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Southeast Asia's investment environment and real estate trends were discussed, with presenters emphasizing the importance of supply and demand dynamics, investor sentiment, and efficient operations.
Among Southeast Asia's biggest challenges discussed by executives were high interest rates, labor issues and continued pressure on construction costs, which experts said will continue in the future.
Changing demographics of travelers leaving China and the resulting decline in spending have been another concern for hoteliers.
The future of local tourism was discussed, with a focus on sustainability, authenticity and community engagement. Speakers emphasized the need to manage expectations, create personalized experiences, and prioritize authenticity to remain competitive in the industry.
Technology and AI were another recurring theme, with speakers discussing the need for a more agile approach to talent development and loyalty.
Delegates enjoyed three days of networking events at The Singapore Edition, Pan Pacific Orchard and Pan Pacific Singapore.
Plans are already underway to return AHICE Southeast Asia to Singapore in February 2025.
Check out more photos from the event here.