While meetings, events and general business travel have a natural pattern of slowing during certain parts of the year with bad weather in the Western Hemisphere, business travel has remained a focus across the Asia-Pacific region even with heightened typhoon activity.
On the latest episode of the CoStar News Hotels podcast, STR Regional Vice President for Asia Pacific Jesper Palmqvist said it's not uncommon for Asian business travelers to keep travel plans during stormy seasons — while keeping an eye on the latest weather reports.
"You have a lot of these markets — think about [the fourth quarter] in Hong Kong — and along the coast line where it's peak for events business," he said, adding the Jewellery & Gem Fair is one of the top annual events in Hong Kong and happens during storm season.
The topic has become top of mind this week with heavy damage to populated areas — including Hong Kong and mainland China — caused by Typhoon Ragasa.
Singapore will play host to a major event next weekend with F1's Singapore Grand Prix, which features not only the race but corresponding live music with Elton John, the Foo Fighters and the Smashing Pumpkins slated to perform.
In terms of end-of-year expectations across the region, Palmqvist said hotel metrics are likely to be flat segueing into a slow growth environment early in 2026. He added hoteliers in the region should take solace that this is not a phenomenon specific to Asia-Pacific.
"Growth numbers are low pretty much everywhere," he said.
For the rest of the interview with Palmqvist, listen to the podcast above.