Overview of Record Growth
The Asia Pacific (excluding China) hotel construction pipeline reached its highest level to date at the close of the first quarter of 2026, according to Lodging Econometrics’ latest Construction Pipeline Trend Report. The region recorded 2,387 projects representing 442,973 rooms, marking a 15% year-over-year (YOY) increase in project numbers and a 9% increase in room count.
Stages of Construction and Planning
At the end of Q1 2026, there were 963 projects (202,877 rooms) under construction, a 10% increase in projects and a 2% rise in rooms compared to the previous year. This segment now comprises 40% of the total pipeline. Projects scheduled to begin construction within the next 12 months rose to 386 projects (72,569 rooms), reflecting an 18% increase in projects and a 9% rise in rooms YOY. Early planning projects reached record highs, with 1,038 projects (167,527 rooms), up 19% in projects and 17% in rooms YOY. During the quarter, construction started on 144 projects (25,530 rooms), and 228 new projects were added to the pipeline.
Growth by Hotel Segment
Higher-end hotel segments continue to make up a significant portion of the pipeline. Luxury projects reached a record 404 projects (75,803 rooms), an increase of 16% in projects and 11% in rooms YOY. Upper upscale projects totaled 420 (88,303 rooms), up 13% in projects and 10% in rooms. Upscale projects also hit record levels, closing the quarter at 616 projects (120,127 rooms), an 18% increase in projects and 16% in rooms YOY. Upper midscale projects stood at 393 (75,185 rooms), up 11% in projects and 5% in rooms. The midscale segment showed the strongest YOY growth, rising 26% in projects and 21% in rooms to 307 projects (39,209 rooms).
Conversions and Regional Leaders
Conversions in the APEC region reached new highs, with 353 projects (57,219 rooms), representing an 82% increase in projects and a 48% rise in rooms YOY. India is the leading country in the APEC pipeline, with 940 projects (124,011 rooms), accounting for 39% of the region’s total. Vietnam follows with 258 projects (87,077 rooms), Japan with 221 projects (33,079 rooms), Indonesia with 182 projects (30,679 rooms), and Thailand with 161 projects (41,812 rooms).
Top Cities for Development
Bangkok is the most active city in the region, with 68 projects (16,267 rooms) underway. Bengaluru follows with 49 projects (9,945 rooms), Jakarta with 47 projects (10,438 rooms), Mumbai with 43 projects (8,171 rooms), and Tokyo with 43 projects (5,044 rooms).
Openings and Future Forecast
In the first quarter, 70 hotels (9,063 rooms) opened in the APEC region. Lodging Econometrics forecasts an additional 302 projects (59,063 rooms) to open by the end of 2026, with a further 362 projects (67,962 rooms) expected to open in 2027.
