Xin Lang Cai Jing·2025-11-10 11:16Core Insights - The core theme of the article revolves around Huazhu's 20-year journey in the hotel industry, emphasizing the need for supply-side reform as the biggest opportunity for the Chinese hotel sector [2][8][21] Company Overview - Huazhu has evolved over two decades, focusing on long-term value rather than short-term trends, and is now positioned to lead the industry towards supply-side reform [5][18] - The company has expanded its brand portfolio from a single brand, HanTing, to over thirty brands, serving more than 2 billion guests and driving nearly 300 billion yuan in industry investment [15][21] Industry Context - The global hotel industry is undergoing significant changes, with international capital acquiring quality hotel assets and local markets facing saturation and intense competition [6][8] - In China, only 25% of hotels are large-scale (40 rooms or more), compared to 95% in the U.S., indicating a structural imbalance in the hotel supply [8] Supply-Side Reform - The current state of the hotel industry in China is characterized by high-end luxury hotels and low-end budget inns struggling to achieve profitability, highlighting the urgent need for supply-side reform [8][9] - The concept of "involution" is discussed, where competition leads to stagnation without progress, but is viewed as a necessary phase for deeper supply-side reform [9] Market Opportunities - Huazhu's strategy includes viewing China as a world unto itself, recognizing the diverse consumer ecosystem and the potential for growth across various market segments [11][13] - The company identifies five trends reshaping the hotel industry: a shift from micro to medium-sized rooms, from standalone to chain hotels, from star ratings to brand focus, from major cities to county-level markets, and from real estate to investment returns [13] Future Vision - Huazhu aims to become a world-class enterprise, aspiring to have its brands rank among the top globally, enhance service quality, and redefine travel experiences [18][19] - The company's mission has evolved from providing a "good life" to facilitating a "good journey," reflecting a deeper commitment to enhancing customer experiences [21][22]