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b.courtin

112 posts

Ascott Expands Portfolio with 20,000 New Keys in 2025; 40% of Inventory Under Construction

🏠 Ascott added 20,000 keys across 100 properties in 2025, with 60% resort signings, primarily in Asia Pacific. Their hybrid model varies stay durations based on owner preference, with corporate long stays of 6-12 months and flexibility for short stays. 40% of inventory is under construction to complete by 2026. Ascott now owns 10% of its 1,000+ properties, focusing on asset-light franchising. Their loyalty program, launched in 2019, aims to reach 10 million members by November 2023.
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Upscale and Midscale Hotel Segments Drive European Growth with Increased RevPAR and Occupancy Rates in 2026

📈 Upscale hotels in Europe, as of September 2026, report an occupancy rate of 75.0% and an ADR of €237.0, generating RevPAR of €177.8. Midscale follows closely with 74.3% occupancy and €121.9 ADR, yielding €90.6 RevPAR. Economy achieves a 72.2% occupancy and €89.5 ADR for €64.6 RevPAR. Budget struggles with stagnant metrics: 68.3% occupancy, €64.6 ADR, and €44.1 RevPAR. Spain leads with €135.8 RevPAR, 79.6% occupancy, and €170.6 ADR, showing notable growth.
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Three Hills Capital Partners Seeks New Investor for Castellet Hospitality After €91.5 Million Investment and 30-Hotel Portfolio Expansion

🏠 Castellet Hospitality, founded by Gilles Larrivé in 2017, manages over 30 hotels, primarily under Accor franchises. In October 2022, British fund Three Hills Capital Partners replaced EMZ Partners with a €61.5 million investment. Three Hills provided an additional €30 million, enabling Castellet to own and manage over 25 hotels. They're now seeking new partners to expand into Southern Europe, with help from Edmond de Rothschild Corporate Finance.
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HomeExchange Welcomes Verlinvest as Shareholder; 2.3 Million Travelers Swapped in Last Year, Up 34%

💰 HomeExchange announced Verlinvest as a new shareholder on September 15, 2026. In the past year, HomeExchange facilitated 2.3 million swaps (up 34%) and booked 11.8 million nights (up 25%), with a 90% renewal rate. Verlinvest, managing over €2.5 billion, joins the platform while ISAI exits. Co-CEOs Charles-Édouard Girard and Emmanuel Arnaud remain, and Ternel fund reinvests. HomeExchange eyes growth in the US and Western Europe, with a focus on enhancing its user experience.
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Xavier Transitioned from Club Med and Real Estate to Lead Generator, Drawn by High Margins and Lifestyle Hospitality Model

🏠 In his 49th year, with 20 years in diverse industries including Club Med and American real estate, Xavier was drawn to Generator's model. He transitioned to lead Generator after meeting Canadian private equity shareholders. The company, focused on lifestyle hospitality in city centers, offers high-margin, accessible experiences. This contrasts with typical assumptions about thin margins in accessible offerings. Xavier values hospitality's social mobility potential, influenced by his past experiences.
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Upscale and Midscale Hotel Segments Lead July 2026 Growth in Europe with RevPAR Increases of 3.79% and 3.71%

🏨 Upscale in Europe sees July RevPAR up +3.79%, with an average daily rate at €248.95 (+3.24%) and occupancy up +0.41 points. Midscale RevPAR is up +3.71% with occupancy rising most at +2.60%. Economy segment records a +1.73% RevPAR increase. Spain's RevPAR surges +6.60%, while Hungary's jumps +30.40% driven by a +16.72% higher daily rate. Latvia, Czech Republic, and Poland also see significant gains.
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Patrick Pacious Departs Choice Hotels in May 2026; Dominic Dragisich Appointed Interim CEO Amid Strategic Challenges

📈 Patrick Pacious's sudden departure in May 2026 left Choice Hotels amid uncertainty. Dragisich, the CFO, became interim CEO on May 20, focusing on net unit growth. Choice reported its lowest franchise termination rate in a decade. The chain, with nearly 7,500 hotels, faces competition from chains like Marriott and Hilton. Based in North Bethesda, Maryland, the group operates in the economy and midscale segments. Chairman Stewart Bainum Jr. emphasized the continuity and performance-driven culture under Dragisich.
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Dr. Achim Schmitt Steps Up as EHL Leader, Emphasizing Education Focus Amid Rising Enrollment and Strong Finances

🎓 Dr. Achim Schmitt, currently Dean, focuses on education at the center of his vision, emphasizing Practical Arts and human-centered management. Under Dr. Markus Venzin, EHL obtained AACSB accreditation, B-Corp certification, and established the School of Practical Arts. Board Chair Carole Ackermann credits Venzin for transforming EHL. The institution boasts rising enrollment, renovated campuses, strong finances, and an improved international reputation. Collaborations will continue with faculty, staff, alumni, industry partners, and students.
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Accor Acquires Le Royal Monceau – Raffles Paris, Cementing Its Role as a Luxury Brand Flagship

🏨 1928, Paris: The Royal Monceau, an Art Deco and Renaissance Revival hotel, opened at 37 avenue Hoche on 1 August, led by Pierre Bermond and André Junot. It featured 265 rooms and attracted notable figures like Josephine Baker and Ernest Hemingway. Requisitioned during WWII, it hosted leaders like Eisenhower. Dr. Osmane Aïdi acquired it in 1978. By 2007, Alexandre Allard, with Qatari backing, revitalized it with €250 million. It reopened as Le Royal Monceau – Raffles Paris in 2010, gaining "Palace" status by 2013 and joining Accor in 2015.
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IHG Signs Franchise Deal with GCP Hospitality for 14 Hotels in Kyoto, Adding Over 1,000 Rooms

🏨 IHG Hotels & Resorts signed a franchise agreement with GCP Hospitality in Kyoto, Japan, in 2023, adding over 1,000 rooms through 14 hotels. Twelve properties will convert to the Garner brand, and one will become a Holiday Inn Express. Garner, launched in 2023 as a midscale conversion brand, reached around 100 properties globally. Owner-operator GCP Hospitality will manage these hotels, with future expansions planned in other Japanese cities.
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