Hotels & Accommodations
Thai tourism hit by border conflict, hotel bookings cancelled across nine provinces
August 1, 2025
BANGKOK – The ongoing border conflict between Thailand and Cambodia has begun to significantly impact Thailand’s tourism sector, leading to a wave of hotel room cancellations across nine major provinces.
The Thai Hotels Association (THA) has revealed that Chiang Mai is the worst-hit region, with Thai tourists accounting for the majority of cancellations, followed by Asian visitors.
The primary factor influencing these cancellations is the impact on travel insurance policies.
Thienprasit Chaiyapatranun, president of the Thai Hotels Association (THA), revealed on Thursday that the preliminary findings of a survey conducted among THA member hotels regarding the unrest.
Since 24th July 2025, 24 hotels across nine provinces have reported a total of 5,266 room cancellations. This figure includes cancellations due to all causes, as well as those directly attributable to the Thai-Cambodian border situation.
The survey indicates that Thai tourists account for the highest number of cancellations, with Asian tourists following closely behind.
When breaking down the impact by province, Chiang Mai has experienced the most significant number of cancellations, with 2,089 rooms affected.
Bangkok follows with 1,863 cancellations, then Chonburi (668 rooms), Phuket (566 rooms), Nakhon Ratchasima (408 rooms), Phang Nga (140 rooms), Surat Thani (133 rooms), Rayong (87 rooms), and Nong Khai (12 rooms).
While new bookings since 24th July 2025 stand at 6,835 room nights – a figure higher than the cancellations – Thienprasit noted that the pace of new bookings is clearly slowing.
Provinces bordering Cambodia are experiencing more severe impacts than other regions. The THA expresses hope for a swift resolution to the unrest to mitigate further adverse effects on tourism.
A crucial factor accelerating these cancellations is the issuance of travel advisories by some countries to their citizens. Such advisories not only create a psychological impact on travellers but also directly affect travel insurance policies, which are a key requirement for certain tourist groups.
Other existing safety concerns, such as the abduction of Chinese tourists linked to scammer networks in specific areas of the ASEAN region, have not yet been clearly communicated.
This, coupled with the emerging border conflict, further erodes travel confidence in the region, particularly among Chinese tourists who remain wary about safety.
Hotels & Accommodations
ITC Hotels Limited inks an agreement for its second Fortune hotel in Lucknow
Delhi, 6 August 2025: ITC Hotels Limited continues to expand its presence in North India with a new agreement for a hotel in Lucknow under its Fortune Hotels portfolio. With this signing, ITC Hotels Ltd. now has a presence of 7 properties in Uttar Pradesh, with six more hotels in the pipeline.
Situated on the Lucknow-Kanpur Road, the upcoming hotel will provide seamless access to both cities. It is being developed to meet the growing demand for premium accommodations in the region, fuelled by business travel, pilgrimage tourism, MICE, and destination weddings in the city.
Sharing insights on the signing, Anil Chadha, Managing Director, ITC Hotels Limited, said, “Lucknow is a city that beautifully blends tradition with modernity. Its infrastructural growth, flourishing corporate sector, and cultural richness make it a very significant market for Fortune Hotels. I am sure it will emerge as a big asset to the state, which is experiencing high growth in domestic tourism.”
Commenting on the signing, Indermohan Singh, Chairman – M/s CEM Hospitality, said, “From acquiring land for developing hotels and banquets to creating memorable hospitality facilities, we keep a keen eye on the region for such ventures. Fortune Select Lucknow is one of our very important projects. Lucknow’s growth as a potential business and cultural hub has inspired our investment decision. Collaborating with Fortune Hotels was a natural choice given the brand’s strong positioning, operational excellence, and deep understanding of Indian travellers.”
Fortune Select Lucknow will feature 93 modern well-appointed rooms and a variety of culinary experiences including a multi-cuisine restaurant, a rooftop outlet with panoramic views of the city, and a chic bar. An offering of multiple banquet spaces, rejuvenating wellness facilities include a swimming pool, gym, and a restful spa, making it a compelling destination for a spectrum of travellers and city residents alike.
Slated to open in 2026, the hotel promises to offer an elevated experience to its guests by way of thoughtfully designed stays, efficient service, and Fortune Hotels’ signature hospitality. In addition to the upcoming Fortune Select, Fortune Hotels currently operates Fortune Park BBD in Lucknow, located on Rana Pratap Marg. It also has an upcoming property in Ayodhya, along with operational hotels in Aligarh, Ghaziabad, and Noida.
About Fortune Park Hotels Ltd
Fortune Park Hotels Ltd is a wholly owned subsidiary of ITC Hotels Limited and is India’s leading chain of first-class, full-service business and leisure hotels, with 79 signed alliances an over 6000 rooms, across 65 cities including a resort in Nepal.
Fortune Hotels’ brand philosophy is driven by its objective to provide contemporary accommodation to business and leisure travellers through its wide range of accommodation in pertinent destinations, with emphasis on personalized service at great value. Convenient locations, excellence of cuisine, efficient service and competitive pricing have made the Fortune Hotels chain popular amongst discerning travellers. Fortune, a member of ITC Hotels’ Group has a number of clearly defined sub-brands bringing instant recall, so that guests can easily match their requirements with the chain’s offers. The sub-brands under which the hotels are being operated by the chain are Fortune Select, Fortune Park, Fortune Inn, and Fortune Resort.
For more information, visit: itchotels.com/fortunehotels
Hotels & Accommodations
Dubai Rosewood Hotel & Residences To Open By 2029, Featuring Private Garden Villas, Spa & More
Dubai is home to several beautiful hotels. These properties include everything from luxurious resorts to something more affordable. Offering plenty of options to the people in the emirate, a new name will soon be added to its portfolio of hotels. We are talking about the fact that Rosewood Hotels & Resorts will be making its much-awaited debut in Dubai. Here’s all you need to know about the Rosewood Dubai and Rosewood Residences Dubai.
Rosewood Dubai And Rosewood Residences Dubai To Open By 2029
Once Rosewood Dubai and Rosewood Residences Dubai open, it will be the first hotel and branded residences by Rosewood in the UAE. Located on the shores of the Peninsula Dubai, this would be a prestigious new waterfront destination. This is going to be a 195-key ultra-luxury hotel, complete with world-class dining, wellness facilities, private garden villas, and curated cultural programming.
More About The Residential Tower
Right next to the hotel will be the residential tower that will offer 63 refined residences. This would also include five exclusive beachfront villas that would offer dedicated lifestyle amenities. Spanning 6,40,104 ft.², which is about 9.95 hectares, the project is owned by Bright Star along with H&H.
Truly creating a transformative experience, Rosewood Dubai’s 63 refined residences, along with five beachfront villas would offer a slew of tailored amenities. From a 24-hour concierge, spa and movement studio to a padel court, library, and private cinema, there is truly going to be a range of luxurious amenities for people to offer them an unparalleled experience.
Also Read: Egypt: Tantalise Your Tastebuds With Nobu North Coast That Brings Japanese Cuisine To The Region
A World-Renowned Hospitality In Dubai
Creating a holistic experience for the people is a major milestone for the brand. After all, it introduces an elevated lifestyle experience! Yes, this would blend the world-renowned hospitality of Rosewood with its collection of high-end residences. Not just a curated stay for luxurious living, the hotel would also offer something special for the younger guests. We are talking about the Explorers Club that would nurture both play and learning together.
Doesn’t it all sound absolutely wonderful? Well, the hotel is scheduled to open in 2029, and one can expect that this hotel’s debut in Dubai by the brand will bring its stellar services.
Cover Image Courtesy: rosewoodhotels.com
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First Published: August 06, 2025 1:01 PM
Hotels & Accommodations
Oyo Continues Expanding in California Along With Georgia, Illinois and More, One Fifty New Budget Hotels: Here’s What You Need to Know
Wednesday, August 6, 2025
Oyo is now working on extending its budget hotel chain in the US which will be completed in 2025. This came after a brief pause in growth. This Indian Hospitality giant is intending to 150 new properties in crucial states in the US. With Oyo’s new strategy put into place to strengthen the chains hold in the ever changing US market, the hotel chain is projected to double its growth.
Oyo’s Ongoing U.S. Expansion
Oyo’s expansion in the U.S. is part of the company’s larger efforts to revive its market share. Since 2019, the company has targeted the American market, initially investing hundreds of millions of dollars. After some setbacks by 2021, Oyo restructured its operations and focused on scaling up again in 2024, following the acquisition of G6 Hospitality, which owns brands like Motel 6 and Studio 6.
In a recent statement, Oyo confirmed that these new properties in the U.S. are Oyo-branded, rather than the previously associated Motel 6 properties. The company now has over 300 properties across the country.
Key Locations for Expansion
Oyo’s latest properties have launched in multiple states, including a significant concentration in California, Georgia, Illinois, Michigan, Mississippi, Texas, and Virginia. These states are vital for Oyo as they mark areas of potential growth. The company is targeting the Sun Belt and Great Lakes regions, which are emerging hubs of travel and tourism. Out of the newly added properties, ten have more than a hundred rooms which will serve large groups of leisure and business travelers.
Strategic U.S. Market Moves
Oyo’s expansion strategy includes a mix of organic growth, partnerships, and strategic conversions. This flexible approach helps the company target both emerging and well-established markets across the country. The focus is to make the brand a prominent choice for travelers seeking budget-friendly accommodations, with a strong emphasis on affordable comfort and reliable services.
Despite the challenges in the U.S. market, Oyo’s rapid growth signals a renewed commitment to this region. As the company continues its momentum, it aims to become a more recognizable player in the U.S. hotel industry.
Technology and Investments Driving Oyo’s Success
Oyo is also leveraging technology to enhance its guest experience and streamline operations. The company has been investing heavily in AI-powered pricing systems, mobile app upgrades, and loyalty programs. These tech enhancements are designed to make the booking process more seamless for customers and provide better service to partners.
Oyo’s technology efforts are aimed at improving both the traveler experience and the efficiency of hotel owners operating under its brand. By integrating advanced technology solutions, Oyo is ensuring that it remains competitive in an increasingly digital hotel industry.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Oyo in the U.S.
Looking forward, Oyo plans to maintain its aggressive growth in the U.S. market. The company aims to scale quickly by targeting both small and large cities across the country. With the ongoing investments in technology, along with the backing of its parent company, Oravel Stays, Oyo is positioning itself to remain a strong contender in the U.S. budget hotel space.
As Oyo continues to expand its portfolio, the company hopes to reach new heights and become a key player in the global hospitality industry. Industry experts believe that Oyo’s focus on technology and partnerships could help the company overcome past challenges and achieve long-term success in the U.S.
Conclusion
Oyo’s continuous growth throughout the U.S. shows the company’s intentions to become one of the dominant players in the international hotel sector. With the addition of 150 new properties in 2025 alone, Oyo is making significant progress towards its growth objectives. Oyo is demonstrating its readiness to compete with the largest players in the hospitality industry with its alliance driven growth, technology investment, and focus on customer experience.
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