What's Happening?
China's hotel construction pipeline has reached significant milestones in the third quarter of 2025, according to Lodging Econometrics. The data reveals a robust expansion in the number of projects and
rooms under development, with notable growth in both construction starts and new project announcements. As of the end of Q3 2025, China's hotel construction pipeline comprises 3,695 projects, totaling 656,873 rooms. This includes 2,728 projects with 478,859 rooms currently under construction. Additionally, 332 projects, accounting for 56,141 rooms, are scheduled to begin construction within the next 12 months. The early planning stage encompasses 635 projects with a total of 121,873 rooms.
Why It's Important?
The expansion of China's hotel construction pipeline is significant for the global hospitality industry, as it indicates strong growth and investment in the sector. This development is likely to impact international hotel chains and investors looking to capitalize on China's growing domestic travel market, which is projected to become the largest in the world by 2030. The increase in hotel projects and rooms also suggests a potential boost in tourism and related industries, providing opportunities for economic growth and job creation in major Chinese cities.
What's Next?
Looking ahead, Lodging Econometrics analysts project 978 new hotels with 143,603 rooms to open by the end of 2026. In 2027, the forecast predicts 739 new hotel openings, with a total of 142,076 rooms. This continued growth in hotel construction is expected to further strengthen China's position in the global hospitality market, attracting more international visitors and business travelers.
Beyond the Headlines
The rapid expansion of China's hotel construction pipeline may also have implications for environmental sustainability and urban planning. As cities like Chengdu, Shanghai, and Guangzhou lead the hotel construction boom, there may be increased pressure on infrastructure and resources, necessitating careful planning and management to ensure sustainable development.
