Core Viewpoint - The domestic hotel industry is experiencing a paradox where, despite a booming tourism market in 2024, hotel profitability is declining due to increased competition and cost pressures, leading to a decrease in key performance metrics such as RevPAR, ADR, and occupancy rates [1][4][6]. Industry Overview - The domestic tourism market is thriving, with significant increases in travel volume and spending, yet the hotel industry is facing challenges with declining revenue per available room (RevPAR) across all hotel tiers [3][4]. - In 2023, the hotel industry transitioned from a high base to a normalized state, with many companies struggling due to intense competition and rising costs [6]. Financial Performance - Major hotel chains like Huazhu Group reported a revenue of 23.89 billion yuan, with a net profit of 3.048 billion yuan, reflecting a year-on-year revenue growth of 9.18% but a profit decline of 25.39% [7]. - RevPAR for Huazhu was 235 yuan, with an average daily rate (ADR) of 289 yuan, both showing declines of 3% and 3.2% respectively, while occupancy rate (OCC) slightly increased to 81.2% [8]. - Other hotel brands also reported similar declines in RevPAR and ADR, indicating a widespread trend across the industry [8]. Market Dynamics - The hotel market is shifting towards a supply-demand imbalance, with the number of hotels exceeding pre-pandemic levels while tourism numbers remain below 2019 figures [15]. - The total number of hotels in China surpassed 360,000 in 2024, representing 109% of the 2019 hotel count, while domestic tourism was only at 90% of 2019 levels [15]. Expansion Strategies - Despite the challenging environment, hotel companies continue to expand aggressively, with Huazhu Group planning to open 2,300 new hotels in 2025, maintaining a strong growth trajectory [13]. - Huazhu's expansion strategy focuses on a franchise and licensing model, with over 90% of new hotels opened under these models, allowing for a lighter asset operation [14]. - Other hotel chains like Jinjiang and Shoulv also reported significant new openings, indicating a competitive push for market share [12]. Emerging Trends - The hotel industry is increasingly targeting lower-tier cities for growth, as these areas show potential for higher revenue due to rising disposable incomes [15]. - The shift from a seller's market to a buyer's market is evident, with high-end hotels being put up for sale and increased competition leading to price reductions in hotel supplies [16]. Challenges and Risks - The rapid expansion of hotel chains may lead to intensified price wars and further pressure on profitability, as evidenced by declining ADR and RevPAR across the board [15]. - Companies like Atour are also diversifying into retail, with significant revenue from products like sleep pillows, but face increasing competition from other brands entering the retail space [20].

Core Viewpoint - The domestic hotel industry is facing significant challenges despite a booming tourism market, with declining revenue per available room (RevPAR), average daily rate (ADR), and occupancy rates, leading to increased pressure on hotel operators [1][2][4]. Industry Overview - In 2024, the domestic tourism market is thriving, with significant increases in travel volume and spending, yet the hotel sector is experiencing operational difficulties [2][4]. - The overall RevPAR for the hotel industry decreased by 9.7% year-on-year, with ADR down by 5.8% and occupancy rates down by 2.5% [5][9]. Company Performance - Huazhu Group reported a revenue of 23.89 billion yuan, with a net profit of 3.048 billion yuan, marking a year-on-year growth of 9.18% in revenue but a decline of 25.39% in profit [4]. - Huazhu's RevPAR was 235 yuan, ADR was 289 yuan, and occupancy rate was 81.2%, showing a decline in RevPAR and ADR by 3% and 3.2% respectively [5]. - Jinjiang Hotels and Shoulv Hotels also reported declines in RevPAR, ADR, and occupancy rates, indicating a trend across the industry [5]. Market Dynamics - The hotel market is transitioning to a "stock era," with increased competition and cost pressures leading to a buyer's market [12]. - The supply-demand imbalance is evident, with over 360,000 hotels in China, surpassing pre-pandemic levels, while tourism numbers remain below 2019 figures [9][10]. Expansion Strategies - Despite the challenges, hotel companies are aggressively expanding, with Huazhu planning to open 2,400 new hotels in 2024, and other brands like Jinjiang and Atour also increasing their hotel counts [7][19]. - The shift towards a franchise and management model is prevalent, with over 90% of Huazhu's new hotels opened under these models [7]. Emerging Trends - The focus is shifting towards lower-tier markets, with significant growth potential in county-level cities, where hotel chain penetration is still low [10][11]. - Atour Group is also diversifying its revenue streams, with retail business contributing approximately 30% to its total revenue in 2024 [16]. Competitive Landscape - The competitive landscape is evolving, with Huazhu leading in revenue but Jinjiang still ahead in the number of hotels [19]. - Atour Group is also gaining ground, with a revenue of 7.248 billion yuan, narrowing the gap with Shoulv Hotels [19].