It was almost 4am in East Asia, and the second-best hotel of the world distinction went to the Passalaqua to the astonishment of the hoteliers present and viewers online like me. The Lake Como Regina descended from her throne with grace and anointed the stellar sucessor by the Chao Phraya, the Capella Bangkok. The frenzy and cravings for Capella reached the unprecedented height when John Blancos, the general manager, received the accolade from the academy in the majestic Guildhall. It was a moment of triumph to the Asian hospitality. Excitement, exaltation, and enquiry weaved up the Siamoise zeal in the following weeks, and to sojourn in Capella Bangkok or not to was absolutely the question amongst my global trotter set.

Zeal at 4am in Taipei, I rarely stay up but make an exception for the hoteliers I truly admire. The announcement of the world’s 50 best hotels, or the Oscar awards of the hospitality industry, deserves my precious time as the chairs of the academy and recognized hoteliers gather in London, and impatiently wait for the result. The list of 2024 indeed reflects the post-COVID frenzy for luxury travel and accommodations and also delivers a clear view about the developmental trend and prospect in hospitality.