HVS COVID-19 Hotel Sentiment Survey Drive-In Destinations Thailand

By Apichaya Wongsuwan, Ruj Masan and Pawinee Chaisiriroj
Drive-In Destinations refer to notable destinations located within a reasonable driving distance between two to six hours from Bangkok. This survey includes hotels from Chon Buri, Rayong, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Nakhon Ratchasima, Kanchanaburi, and Trat. The survey discusses COVID-19 pandemic and its unprecedented impact on the Drive-In Hotel Markets. On a property level, the survey focuses on hoteliers’ point of view on reopening strategies, domestic demand profile, and market outlook.
 
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HVS Market Pulse: Luang Prabang, Laos

By Eunice Wong and Daniel Voellm
Luang Prabang is located in north central Laos on a peninsula bounded by the Mekong River to the north and the Khan River to the east. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Since 1995, Luang Prabang attracts tourists from international and regional markets through a combination of preserved cultural experiences and natural beauty within the province. The following article gives a brief overview of Luang Prabang, its tourism industry and recent dynamics of the local lodging market.
 
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Weave Co-Living Expands into Singapore with SGD500 Million Joint Venture

Hong Kong-based Weave Co-Living (“Weave”), is making its debut in Singapore with a planned investment of SGD500 million in a joint venture (“JV”) with Singapore-based fund management firm, 32 Real Estate Private Limited (“32RE”). Weave will hold an 80% stake in the JV, while funds managed by 32RE will hold the remaining 20%. Together, both partners are committing total equity of SGD150 million. Sachin Doshi, founder and chairman of Weave, stated that the strategy is to acquire serviced apartments and hospitality assets in order to reposition, redesign and rebrand them into Weave properties. Weave has anticipated to purchase two assets in Singapore by the end of 2020 with an initial target to have 600 to 800 accommodation units. 32RE will be the acquisitions and project manager for the JV in Singapore. Weave currently owns and operates a portfolio of six properties with more 600 rental units in Hong Kong, valued at approximately USD300 million. In November 2018, Weave secured USD181 million investment from US-based private equity firm, Warburg Pincus LLC. After Singapore, Weave intends to enter Australia, Korea, India and other key markets in the region in the coming year.

Singapore and Malaysia Aim to Commence Cross-Border Travel From 10 August

Singapore and Malaysia have agreed to set 10 August 2020 as the target date to reopen borders between the two countries for some residents and business travellers. On 14 July, both countries have agreed to implement two schemes – the Reciprocal Green Lane (“RGL”) and Periodic Commuting Arrangement (“PCA”). The RGL will allow travel for essential business and official purposes. Those eligible will have to abide by measures, including taking swab tests and submitting their itineraries. The PCA will allow residents who hold long-term immigration passes for business and work purposes in the other country. After at least three consecutive months in their country of work, they can return to their home country for a "short-term home leave" before returning to their country of work to continue work for at least another three consecutive months. The requirements, health protocols and application process involved for entry and exit into both countries will be published 10 days before the implementation of the two schemes.

Japan Plans to Ease Travel Restrictions for Ten Asian Countries

As of 1 July 2020, there are 129 countries and regions affected by Japan’s entry ban as a precautionary measure against Covid-19 pandemic. In June, Japan first unveiled plans for a travel bubble with four countries including Australia, New Zealand, Thailand and Vietnam. This month, Japan plans to discuss with ten more countries including Brunei, Cambodia, China, Laos, Malaysia, Mongolia, Myanmar, Singapore, South Korea and Taiwan. Japan states that business travellers and international talent will be the top priority, followed by foreign students and then tourists. Malaysia Airlines (“MAS”), and Japan Airlines (“JAL”) will formally launch a joint business partnership on 25 July after a few months of delay due to travel restrictions between both countries. The partnership will see the two carriers cooperate commercially on flights between Malaysia and Japan. MAS and JAL will offer four weekly services between Kuala Lumpur and Tokyo Narita in July and August.

Absolute Share Price Performance, as on 17 July 2020