Core Viewpoint - The economic hotel sector is experiencing a collective retreat, with major players like Jinjiang, Shoulv, and Huazhu shifting focus towards mid-to-high-end hotels, indicating a decline in the economic hotel segment's viability [7][9][40]. Group 1: Industry Trends - Economic hotels, represented by brands like Buding, are struggling, with key performance indicators such as RevPAR declining year-on-year [6][9]. - By the end of 2024, the proportion of economic hotel rooms is expected to drop to 54%, with major hotel chains adding significantly fewer economic hotels compared to mid-to-high-end options [7][38]. - The average room rates for major hotel chains have been rising, contrasting with the stagnant performance of economic hotels [8][38]. Group 2: Market Dynamics - The hotel industry operates on a model similar to airlines, where fixed costs are high, and revenue is highly dependent on occupancy rates [11]. - Economic hotels face inherent vulnerabilities due to limited pricing power and low elasticity of demand, making them less competitive against mid-to-high-end hotels [13][14]. - The trend towards consolidation in the hotel industry has led to increased market concentration, with the top three hotel groups controlling 75% of the market by 2016 [27][32]. Group 3: Consumer Behavior - There is a growing consumer preference for mid-to-high-end hotels, which offer more amenities and services, leading to higher occupancy rates compared to economic hotels [42][46]. - The rise of online travel agencies (OTAs) has created a complex relationship with hotels, but both parties benefit from the shift towards mid-to-high-end offerings [48]. - Economic hotels are increasingly losing market share as consumer spending shifts towards higher-quality accommodations, especially in a recovering economy [49][50]. Group 4: Future Outlook - The economic hotel segment is expected to continue facing challenges, with many operators struggling to adapt to changing market conditions and consumer preferences [20][40]. - Predictions suggest that mid-range hotels will dominate the market in the coming years, reshaping the competitive landscape of the hotel industry [52].

Core Viewpoint - The economic hotel sector in China is facing significant challenges, with many brands, including budget hotels like Pod Inn, being forced to exit the market due to financial difficulties and declining performance metrics such as RevPAR (Revenue per Available Room) [5][6]. Group 1: Economic Hotel Sector Challenges - Pod Inn was delisted due to three consecutive years of negative net assets, highlighting the financial strain on budget hotels [5]. - The average room rate for budget hotels has decreased, with major players like Jinjiang, Shoulv, and Huazhu adding fewer budget hotels compared to mid-range and high-end options [5][6]. - The occupancy rates for mid-range hotels have surpassed those of budget hotels, indicating a shift in consumer preference towards higher-quality accommodations [5][6][26]. Group 2: Business Model Vulnerabilities - The business model of budget hotels is inherently fragile due to low pricing power and high reliance on occupancy rates for revenue [7][8]. - Budget hotels typically offer limited services, which restrict their ability to increase prices compared to mid-range hotels that provide additional amenities [7][8]. - The economic downturn has exacerbated the challenges faced by budget hotels, leading to a slower recovery compared to mid-range brands like Atour, which reported significant revenue growth [8][10]. Group 3: Market Dynamics and Trends - The hotel industry has seen a consolidation trend, with major chains increasing their market share and focusing on mid-range and high-end hotel segments [10][20]. - The chain hotel model has proven more resilient, with membership systems contributing significantly to revenue stability [17][20]. - The overall hotel supply remains high, particularly in the budget segment, leading to intensified competition and reduced profitability for budget hotels [29][32]. Group 4: Future Outlook - The shift towards mid-range hotels is expected to continue, driven by consumer preferences and the increasing market power of established hotel chains [31][34]. - The economic hotel segment may struggle to recover fully, as evidenced by declining demand and stagnant revenue growth despite increased marketing expenditures [32][34]. - Industry experts predict that mid-range hotels will dominate the market in the coming years, reshaping the competitive landscape of the hotel industry in China [34].