Core Insights - The hotel industry in China is experiencing intense competition, often referred to as "involution," which is seen as a sign of ongoing supply-side reforms rather than a lack of progress [1][7] - The founder of Huazhu Group, Ji Qi, emphasizes that competition should drive upward growth and innovation, transforming anxiety into a force for industry and personal development [1][3] Industry Overview - The hotel market in China is characterized by oversupply and a struggle for pricing power, leading to anxiety among investors and practitioners [1] - Despite the challenges, Ji Qi remains optimistic about the Chinese hotel industry, viewing competition as a signal for growth rather than a threat [5][7] Market Dynamics - The hotel occupancy rate in China is projected to recover to 67.8% in 2024, but structural issues persist, with only 25% of approximately 20 million hotel rooms being part of large-scale operations [8][9] - The market is transitioning from low-cost competition to high-quality, refined operations, pushing companies to improve products and services [8][9] Strategic Framework - Ji Qi introduces a framework of "three 'three markets'" that includes geographic, consumer tier, and age structure, identifying significant potential in county-level markets [9][10] - The focus is shifting from price competition to value and experience, driven by a growing middle-income group exceeding 400 million people [9][10] Investment Standards - Two "three good" investment standards are proposed: for investment, focus on "good location, good rent, good product"; for products, emphasize "good brand, good property, good quality" [10][12] - This methodology aims to create sustainable growth mechanisms rather than mere competition [10][12] Brand and Experience - Huazhu's growth reflects a shift from merely providing affordable accommodation to enhancing the overall experience and aesthetic of hotel stays [14][15] - The company aims to create a brand that resonates with consumers, emphasizing the importance of experience over price [14][15] Future Vision - Ji Qi articulates a vision for Huazhu's next 20 years, focusing on deepening its presence in China, leading with brand strategy, and pursuing quality-driven growth [20][21] - The mission has evolved from "beautiful life" to "beautiful journey," positioning hotels as emotional waypoints in travelers' lives [21][22]

Core Insights - The Chinese hotel franchise market is experiencing a significant turning point in 2024, with a decline in new hotel openings and a shift towards renovation and management models due to economic slowdown and rising operational costs [1][2][3] Group 1: Market Trends - The number of new hotels opening in China is projected to decrease by 7.8% year-on-year in 2024, with nearly a 10% reduction in new mid-range hotel contracts [1] - The average RevPAR for mid-range hotels in China is expected to grow only 5% compared to 2019, while labor and operational costs have increased by over 15% [2] - The total number of mid-range and mid-high-end hotels in China is set to exceed 150,000 by the end of 2024, with growth rates outpacing demand for three consecutive years [2] Group 2: Franchisee Concerns - Franchisees are increasingly skeptical about the promised returns from brand partners, with many reporting that the expected return on investment (ROI) has extended to over five years [2][4] - There is a growing sense of market saturation in certain regions, leading to price wars and a decline in occupancy rates, as seen in cities like Changsha [3][8] - Franchisees express concerns over the lack of support from brand headquarters, which has led to a breakdown in trust [4][5] Group 3: Brand Strategies - Major hotel brands are shifting focus from rapid expansion to operational efficiency and trust-building with franchisees, as highlighted by Huazhu Group's emphasis on returning to customer-centric strategies [6][9] - Brands are increasingly investing in digital systems to enhance operational efficiency and provide real-time data to franchisees [7][10] - The competitive landscape is evolving, with a need for brands to differentiate themselves and address internal competition among similar brands within the same group [7][10] Group 4: Future Outlook - The future of the hotel franchise market will hinge on rebuilding trust and establishing sustainable profit models, moving away from mere brand recognition to a focus on operational capabilities [11][12] - The next five years will see competition based on operational efficiency and trust rather than just the ability to attract franchisees [12][13] - The mid-range hotel market remains promising, but the era of easy growth is over, necessitating a focus on profitability and collaborative brand ecosystems [12][13]

SINGAPORE and SHANGHAI, Nov. 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- H World Group Limited (NASDAQ: HTHT and HKEX: 1179) (“H World”, “we” or “our”) a key player in the global hotel industry, today announced that it will schedule to release its unaudited financial results for the third quarter of 2025 on Monday, November 17, 2025 (Hong Kong time), after the trading hours of The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited and before the opening of the U.S. market. H World’s management will host a conference call at 7 a.m. (U.S. ...

格隆汇11月5日丨华住集团-S(01179.HK)宣布，公司董事会审核委员会会议将于2025年11月17日(星期一) (香港时间)举行，藉以(其中包括)审议及批准公司截至2025年9月30日止三个月的未经审核财务业绩及业 绩发布。 ...

香港交易及結算所有限公司及香港聯合交易所有限公司對本公告的內容概不負責，對其準確性 或完整性亦不發表任何聲明，並明確表示概不會就本公告全部或任何部分內容而產生或因倚賴 該等內容而引致的任何損失承擔任何責任。 （於開曼群島註冊成立的有限公司） 業績將於2025年11月17日（星期一）（香港時間）香港聯合交易所有限公司交易時 段後及美國市場開市前上傳至香港聯合交易所有限公司網站www.hkexnews.hk及 本公司網站https://ir.hworld.com。 於業績公告刊發後，本公司管理層將於2025 年 1 1 月 1 7 日（星期一）下午八 時正（香港時間）（或 2025 年 1 1 月 1 7 日（星期一）上午七時正（美國東部時 間））舉行電話會議。如通過電話參加，所有與會者須使用與會者登記鏈接 https://register-conf.media-server.com/register/BI4d94983722af49c7a74657040bebf449 提前登記該電話會議。登記後，各與會者將會收到電話會議詳情，包括撥號號 碼、電話會議密碼及獨有訪問個人身份識別碼。電話會議將會在互聯網作網上 直播 ...

Core Viewpoint - The economic hotel sector in China is facing significant challenges, with many brands, including Pudong Hotel, being forced to exit the market due to financial difficulties and declining performance metrics like RevPAR (Revenue per Available Room) [3][4][5]. Group 1: Economic Hotel Sector Decline - The economic hotel segment is experiencing a collective retreat, with projections indicating that by the end of 2024, the share of economic rooms will drop to 54% [4]. - Major hotel chains like Jinjiang, Shoulv, and Huazhu have added over 3,400 hotels in the past year, with less than 600 being economic hotels, representing only 17.6% of new additions [4]. - The average room rates for these major chains have increased significantly, while occupancy rates for mid-to-high-end hotels have surpassed those of economic hotels [4][5]. Group 2: Vulnerabilities of Economic Hotels - Economic hotels have a fragile business model characterized by low pricing power and limited revenue elasticity, making them more susceptible to market fluctuations [7][8]. - The pricing structure of economic hotels is constrained, with limited ability to increase rates compared to mid-to-high-end hotels, which can offer additional services and amenities [9][10]. - Economic hotels often suffer from high competition and low differentiation, leading to a scenario where they are unable to capitalize on peak demand periods effectively [11][12]. Group 3: Market Dynamics and Trends - The hotel industry has seen a shift towards higher-end offerings, with mid-to-high-end hotels gaining market share and occupancy rates [31][33]. - The consolidation of the hotel market has led to increased chain hotel prevalence, with the top three hotel groups controlling 75% of room inventory by 2016 [20][22]. - The pandemic has accelerated the decline of weaker economic hotels, while stronger chains have expanded their market presence, increasing the overall chain hotel rate to over 40% [26][29]. Group 4: Future Outlook - The economic hotel sector is likely to continue facing challenges as consumer preferences shift towards mid-to-high-end accommodations, driven by both supply-side and demand-side factors [35][36]. - The ongoing trend of increasing chain hotel rates and occupancy for higher-end hotels suggests a potential long-term decline for the economic hotel segment [39].

Group 1 - The service industry is expected to benefit from favorable policies, with a significant increase in service consumption anticipated in 2026 due to continuous policy support and demand dividends [3][7][11] - The report highlights the structural growth in emotional value and symbolic consumption, particularly in the IP toy industry, which is rapidly realizing commercial value [3][7][9] - The retail industry is undergoing a transformation towards a decentralized model, with traditional retail facing intense competition and new channels like discount stores and community supermarkets emerging [3][7][9] Group 2 - The report emphasizes the importance of optimizing holiday arrangements and integrating cultural tourism to stimulate demand, particularly for families with children [12][15] - The service consumption structure in China shows significant room for growth, with the current per capita service consumption being much lower than that of developed countries [29][30][32] - The tea and coffee beverage market in China is experiencing rapid growth, with the market size expected to increase significantly, driven by consumer demand in lower-tier cities [56][58][59] Group 3 - The online travel agency (OTA) market is projected to maintain stable profit margins, with companies like Trip.com leading in growth despite slight slowdowns in overseas markets [48][54] - The hotel industry is seeing a gradual improvement in operating data, with a narrowing decline in revenue per available room (RevPAR) expected to continue [37][40][43] - The report indicates that the demand for travel and tourism services is stable, with business travel being a significant source of fluctuations in demand [40][41]

Core Viewpoint - The launch of the new brand image partner, the "Kelele Bear," by the high-end hotel brand Shijia Ge under Huazhu Group, marks a significant step in connecting emotionally and artistically with Chinese consumers, leveraging nearly a century of German heritage [2][12]. Group 1: Brand Identity and Cultural Significance - The Kelele Bear is designed as an artistic bear figure that embodies deep German cultural roots while presenting a warm and soft exterior, challenging the stereotype of German rigidity [4]. - The bear symbolizes strength and friendliness, particularly in Berlin, where it is seen as a city emblem, thus enhancing the brand's cultural relevance [4]. Group 2: Collaboration with Artists - International young artist Ye Zile was invited to co-create the Kelele Bear, known for his works that blend pop colors with healing aesthetics, showcasing broad international influence [5]. - The design process took nearly two years, resulting in a unique visual expression that abstractly represents the flow of energy through time and space [8]. Group 3: Long-term Vision and IP Integration - A groundbreaking 40-year cooperation agreement was established between Shijia Ge and Ye Zile, highlighting the brand's long-term vision in cultural development [8]. - The Kelele Bear will be integrated into the guest experience across all Shijia Ge hotels, featuring installations, themed rooms, customized meals, and merchandise, creating an immersive IP experience [10]. Group 4: Art Installations and Exhibitions - The first silver mirror sculpture of the Kelele Bear was unveiled at the Guizhou Xiaoqikong Shijia Ge Hotel, with plans for global guests to encounter this artistic installation [11]. - The "Kelele Bear World Tour" interactive exhibition commenced in Chengdu, showcasing the brand's nearly century-long journey from Germany to China, emphasizing the connection to Chengdu as the "Panda Capital" [12][15].

Core Viewpoint - Huazhu Group's stock rose nearly 6% in early trading, reflecting positive market sentiment following the announcement of a new brand and growth strategy at the 2025 Huazhu Partners Conference [1] Company Developments - Huazhu Group launched a new brand called "All Season Grand View" during the conference, emphasizing its commitment to innovation and brand expansion [1] - The founder and chairman, Ji Qi, highlighted favorable factors for the hotel industry in China, including a large population base, significant infrastructure development, and opportunities in cultural tourism [1] Industry Outlook - According to CICC, Huazhu Group is actively pursuing brand upgrades and scale expansion, with a target of reaching 20,000 hotels by 2030 and potentially 50,000 to 60,000 in the long term [1] - The company is focusing on deepening its presence in mid-range and lower-tier cities, enhancing profitability through a franchise model [1] - CICC maintained its profit forecasts for 2025 and 2026, raising the target price to $48 due to the anticipated upward shift in industry valuations [1]

Core Viewpoint - Huazhu Group's stock price increased by nearly 6% following the announcement of a new brand, highlighting positive market sentiment and growth potential in the hotel industry in China [1] Company Developments - Huazhu Group launched a new brand called "All Seasons Grand" during the 2025 Huazhu Partners Conference, emphasizing its commitment to brand innovation and expansion [1] - The CEO of Huazhu Group's Brand Division, Shen Yijun, and Chief Designer, Zhou Guangming, presented the new brand at the conference [1] Industry Insights - Huazhu Group's founder and chairman, Ji Qi, identified key favorable factors for the hotel industry in China, including a large population base, significant infrastructure development, extensive market depth, and a booming cultural tourism sector [1] - The company is focusing on supply-side reforms as the biggest opportunity for the future of the hotel industry in China [1] Growth Projections - CICC forecasts that Huazhu Group will continue its brand upgrade and scale expansion, aiming to reach 20,000 hotels by 2030, with a long-term target of 50,000 to 60,000 hotels [1] - The company is deepening its presence in mid-range and lower-tier cities, enhancing profitability through a franchise model [1] - CICC has maintained its profit forecasts for 2025 and 2026, raising the target price to $48 due to the benefits from industry valuation increases [1]