The dynamic course recorded by the major hotel groups in 2023 is expected to continue this year, with the number of new hotel openings and rooms under operation reaching new record levels and “protagonists” Hilton, Marriott, Accor and Hyatt.
– Hilton: 132 openings in the fourth quarter of 2023
During the fourth quarter of 2023, Hilton Hotels & Resorts opened 132 hotels and approximately 24,000 rooms, marking the company’s best quarter in terms of growth to this day.
The 395 hotel openings and 63,000 rooms during the year reflect remarkable net growth of 4.9%. The outlook for 2024 remains optimistic, with positive net unit growth rates of between 5.5% and 6.0%.
The focus on global expansion has led to the signing of a record number of nearly 1,000 hotels, representing 130,000 rooms, a 45% increase year-over-year.
Two new brands, Spark by Hilton and LivSmart Studios by Hilton, have played a central role in this growth strategy, responding to the growing demand for high-end affordable rooms and extended stay accommodation.
– Marriott: 4.7% net growth and a record 573,000 rooms
Marriott International reported an excellent year in terms of signings globally, reporting a 52% increase in rooms signed in 2023, compared to the previous year.
The company posted strong net room growth of 4.7%, with the growth pipeline ending at a record 573,000 rooms.
Marriott signed a record number of organic management and franchise agreements, representing approximately 164,000 rooms worldwide, with numerous signings in territories such as the US, Canada, China, Vietnam, Japan and the United Arab Emirates.
The global growth pipeline now includes nearly 3,400 hotels and approximately 573,000 rooms. Marriott’s global network includes nearly 8,800 hotels and more than 1,597,000 rooms in 139 countries and regions.
The company is expanding its luxury portfolio, entering the affordable mid-market segment and increasing its presence in conversions and all-inclusive resorts. In addition, it strengthens its portfolio of branded residences and launches the MGM Collection with Marriott Bonvoy.
Marriott expands the Apartments by Marriott Bonvoy brand, with a focus on luxury apartment stays. The first property, Casa Costera, Isla Verde Beach, recently opened in San Juan, Puerto Rico, and agreements have been signed for new properties in the US, Italy and Saudi Arabia.
– Accor: notable global expansion in 2024
Accor is preparing for ambitious growth in 2024. The Luxury and Lifestyle brands currently account for the majority of the group’s growth pipeline. With a portfolio of more than 370 luxury hotels and 150 lifestyle hotels around the world, Accor will open an additional 100 luxury and lifestyle hotels over the next two years, with a target of at least five new openings per year.
Among the highlights to come, the Orient Express brand will launch Orient Express La Dolce Vita at the end of 2024. Raffles Hotels & Resorts will continue its expansion with planned openings in India, Saudi Arabia and Singapore. Fairmont Hotels & Resorts will also open hotels in Spain and South Africa. While, the Sofitel and MGallery Hotel Collection brands will expand to Benin, Mexico, Japan, Japan, Taiwan, Kenya and Poland, and Ennismore will open more than 15 new hotels in destinations around the world.
Beyond the luxury and lifestyle hotel categories, Accor’s Premium, Midscale & Economy division also plans ambitious growth in 2024, with a particular focus on the Americas region, aiming to increase its portfolio from 450 to more than 700 hotels over the next three years.
Pullman Hotels & Resorts, Handwritten Collection and Swissôtel Hotels & Resorts will play a key role in this expansion, with the expected “debut” in Brazil of TRIBE, an innovative new design brand.
The ibis Styles brand in Europe announces the opening of 20 new hotels and the signing of 16 more, with a total capacity of more than 1,200 rooms between 2023 and 2026. It is strengthening its presence in eight countries, including France, Romania, Spain and Poland, with flagship projects including the entry in Iceland and major renovations in the UK and Benidorm, Spain.
By 2023, 20 new ibis Styles hotels will have opened, reflecting the brand’s signature creativity. With these developments, the ibis Styles portfolio in Europe will approach 450 hotels, establishing Accor’s position as a leader in budget hotels in strategic destinations.
Ennismore plans significant expansion in 2024 with the opening of over 15 new hotels and more than 50 restaurants and bars under its leading global brands in iconic destinations such as London, Paris, Dubai, Budapest, Jakarta, Jeddah and Nice.
Ennismore’s three distinct business units – Lifestyle Collective, Immersive Resorts and Iconic Venues – will present a variety of experiences. Notable openings include The Hoxton Vienna, with a design inspired by Austrian history; Hyde London City, marking the brand’s ‘debut’ in the UK; The Hoxton Edinburgh, offering self-contained apartments; 25hours Hotel The Oddbird in Jakarta, combining Indonesian jungle with urbanity, 25hours Hotel Paper Island in Copenhagen, which honours the history of newspaper printing; SLS Barcelona on the beach overlooking the Mediterranean; Mama Shelter Nice in the heart of Riquier; and Mama Shelter Dubai Business Bay, the brand’s first arrival in the Middle East, offering a unique experience with 197 rooms, 204 residences, several restaurants, four swimming pools and an outdoor amphitheatre.
– Hyatt: Expansion of All-Inclusive and Lifestyle hotels in key markets
Hyatt Hotels Corporation described its growth strategy for 2024 and beyond in Europe, Africa and the Middle East (EAME). The company posted a record year of new deal signings in 2023, resulting in a global pipeline of 127,000 rooms.
Spain, the UK, Italy, Italy, Portugal and Greece are the key markets for this expansion, accounting for nearly 40% of Hyatt’s existing room portfolio. Strategic growth includes plans for AluaSoul Costa Adeje and Palace de Muro in Spain, with the development of the Lifestyle and All-Inclusive brands. The Inclusive Collection resorts address the growing popularity of all-inclusive offerings.
Notable openings in 2024 include Hyatt House and Hyatt Place in Leeds, Park Hyatt Johannesburg, Park Hyatt London River Thames and the Inclusive Collection Dreams Madeira and Zoëtry resorts in Halkidiki. This growth reflects Hyatt’s commitment to being the preferred hospitality brand in key markets.
– Choice Hotels: development of luxury brands, starting with Radisson Blu
Choice Hotels International is strengthening its portfolio of high-end and premium hotels, focusing on the renewal of brands such as Radisson Blu. The company aims to rebrand five of its eight upscale and premium brands, including Cambria Hotels, Ascend Hotel Collection, Radisson and Radisson Individuals. The goal is to reach a portfolio of 400 premium hotels, with 19 new hotels in the Ascend Hotel Collection and nine new Cambria Hotels.
The Radisson Blu brand, known as Nordic Vanguard, recorded annual growth of more than 8% in revenue per available room (RevPAR).
– Meliá: Targeting luxury hotels and Mediterranean markets
Meliá Hotels International is accelerating its global expansion, aiming to add at least one hotel every two weeks, with a focus on luxury and premium hotels. The company, led by its president and CEO, Gabriel Escarrer, presented its ambitious plans at the Madrid Tourism Fair (Fitur).
In 2023, Meliá signed a total of 26 new projects and opened 12 hotels, ending the year with 350 operating hotels and 92,057 rooms. Expansion will focus on the Caribbean, Southeast Asia and new Mediterranean markets such as Albania.
