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b.courtin

103 posts

Choice Hotels Introduces Scenic Dreams Prototype at Sleep Inn with Early Success in Tennessee and Pennsylvania

🛌 Sleep Inn is introducing its Scenic Dreams design in North America with features like regionally inspired murals and floor-to-ceiling windows. New Sleep Inn properties are opening in Ashland City, Tennessee, and Middletown, Pennsylvania, showing a RevPAR premium of 1.71 and an LTR increase to 8.36. Over 40 hotels are planned using this prototype, adding to a network of over 550 properties across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. Expansion to Europe is not currently planned.
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87% of Travellers Prefer Hotels with Global Loyalty Programmes, Focusing on Generosity and Simplicity in Benefits

🏨 87% of respondents prefer hotels with global loyalty programs, increasing among Asian travelers. Generosity is the top loyalty preference for 48% of surveyed members, while simplicity and transparency follow at 16% each. Room upgrades, free breakfast, and late checkout are the most valued perks. 71% of respondents favor programs with external partner benefits. Loyalty programs should focus on impactful benefits and ease of use rather than just creativity.
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  • 2 min

Hotel Asset Prices in Spain Surge, With RevPAR Growing 5% to 15% Despite High Real Estate Costs

🏨 Hotel asset prices in Spain have risen significantly, with RevPAR growing between 5% and 15% in 2026, particularly in Madrid. The geopolitical situation in the Middle East benefits Spanish destinations. To create real estate value, investors should consider locations like Seville, Valencia, Bilbao, San Sebastián, Mallorca, and the Canary Islands. These areas offer opportunities due to their stable climates and strong resort performance.
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Barceló and Kempinski Form Strategic Alliance to Enhance Global Distribution and Luxury Market Presence

🏨 Barceló and Kempinski, owned by the Bahraini royal family, have formed a service partnership to enhance management tools and distribution. Barceló, known for all-inclusive resorts, gains access to Kempinski's luxury destinations in the Middle East, Asia, and Central Europe. Kempinski, led by Barbara Muckermann, benefits from Barceló's commercial and technological strengths. Details about the number and location of involved hotels remain unspecified. This alliance is strategic, not a merger or acquisition.
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Hotel Investment in Spain Reaches €4.275 Billion in 2025, Driven by Coastal Demand and Secondary Cities' Growth

🏨 In 2025, Spain's hotel investment reached €4.275 billion, marking its second all-time record. RevPAR grew by 6.6% due to international demand, but Madrid and Barcelona faced a mere 3% ADR growth, hindered by acquisition costs. Local authorities, like in Barcelona, enforce restrictions to manage hotel supply, with the PEUAT moratorium in effect for a decade. In contrast, Valencia experienced a RevPAR surge of 53% compared to 2019, showcasing strong opportunities in secondary cities.
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  • 2 min

Fosun Considers Club Med IPO Amid Strong Financial Performance, 2024 Revenue Exceeds €2 Billion

💰 Fosun, with over $32 billion debt, prioritizes deleveraging and external capital in 2025. A potential Club Med sale is explored, but no offers emerged. Fosun took Club Med private in 2015, backing its luxury repositioning. Club Med aims for 100 resorts by 2030, with 2024 revenue over €2 billion and H1 2025 growth of 4% to €1.2 billion. An IPO is considered, with listing options in Hong Kong, Paris, or Amsterdam. Performance and market conditions will guide decisions.
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  • 2 min

Kempinski Acquires Augustine Hotel in Prague, First Acquisition in Over 50 Years, Plans 2026 Rebranding

🏨 In 2009, St. Thomas Augustinian Monastery in Prague was converted into a luxury hotel by Waldeck Capital and Raiffeisen Evolution. Managed by Rocco Forte's group until 2012, ownership later shifted to Raiffeisen, then GledenInvest under Marriott's Autograph Collection. Kempinski acquired the hotel, marking their first purchase since 1970, aligning with a new capital-intensive strategy. The 101-key hotel, nestled in Malá Strana, will undergo refurbishment and be rebranded under Kempinski by 2026.
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Arsenale Group Disrupts Luxury Hospitality with 10 Iconic European Assets and Expands Luxury Train Portfolio to 11 Trains

🛡 Arsenale Group, led by partners Nicola Bulgari (85), Luca Rovati (66), and Paolo (40), owns iconic hotels and trains across Europe, with 10 assets primarily in Italy. Their strategy diverges from the asset-light model, preferring ownership to align vision and service. They own 11 of 30 luxury trains globally, including the Golden Eagle and La Dolce Vita. Arsenale partners with Accor for Orient Express hotels in Rome and Venice. Expansion targets include Central and Eastern Europe, with a focus on cultural alignment.
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