Market Trends

🏨 Hospitality Ventures Management Group (HVMG) expanded its portfolio by eight hotels in 2024, now totaling 51 properties. The new hotels, including Marriott and Hilton brands, cover various segments. In 2024, HVMG added 1,200 rooms, achieved portfolio-wide Revenue Per Available Room (RevPAR) Index growth for the fourth consecutive year, and increased asset value by over $60 million in the past 12 months. The company's revenue is 70% from full-service hotels. HVMG credits its success to talent development programs like TACOE and XLR8.

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🏡 Orient Express is launching its first hotel, Orient Express La Minerva, in Rome by spring 2025, in Piazza della Minerva near the Pantheon. The site, Palazzo Fonseca, dates back to the 17th century and was acquired by Arsenale SpA in 2021. Architect Hugo Toro led the renovation, blending Art Déco with modern design. Historical guests include Stendhal and Pope Pius IX. The hotel features La Minerva Bar, Voliera rooftop restaurant, a ballroom and three meeting rooms.

🎶 Background music in hotels affects guests' emotions and brand perception. Modern audio systems offer customizable zones and volume control from a single interface, including public address capabilities. Automation allows music to adjust to different parts of the day, enhancing staff and guest experiences. Mobile accessibility helps staff manage systems remotely, reducing the need for on-site visits and maintenance costs. These systems also offer feature updates for longevity and better ROI. Story by Ivan Schwartz, AtlasIED.

✈ Brussels Airways was awarded the title of "world’s best airline of 2024" by AirHelp, which ranked 109 leading airlines based on punctuality, customer opinion, and claim processing, using data from 1 January to 31 October 2024. Brussels Airways scored 8.12 overall with 8.7 in claim processing. Qatar Airways followed closely with a score of 8.11. United Airlines and American Airlines both scored 8.04. Tunisair was rated the worst with 3.63, and UK's Virgin Atlantic led at 30th with 6.94, while British Airways improved to 33rd with 8.3 in customer opinion.

🥗 Patatas bravas, a traditional Spanish dish, is becoming popular in the U.S. with 75% of the population familiar with it and 45% having tried it. The dish appears on 0.5% of U.S. restaurant menus, marking a 10% increase in the last four years. Its popularity is especially high among Asian and Hispanic consumers. It's commonly seen in independent and fine dining establishments, showcasing global flavors and comfort food appeal.

🏠 Archipelago's Aston Hotel & Residences to open in Madinah's Knowledge Economic City (KEC) by 2027, featuring 519 hotel rooms and 130 serviced residences. Located near Haramain High-Speed Rail Station, the development aligns with Saudi Vision 2030's Pilgrim Experience and Quality of Life Programs. Archipelago, with 55,000 rooms across Southeast Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and beyond, also plans two hotels in Makkah for 2026. KEC will contribute 18,000+ hotel rooms to Madinah, supporting Saudi's tourism under Vision 2030.