News & Stories

Valencia. Europe is a complex and uncertain marketplace but is the best region to develop a franchise model. Like many other hotel chains, Choice Hotels International is betting full force on Europe and, to make a difference, is investing millions of dollars in developing innovative tools and personalized services. Could all that accelerate the growth of its footprint and its brand awareness in Europe? Nothing is certain, but it might well keep the independent hoteliers' attention riveted on the brand. In-house news from the franchisor's European Convention in Valencia, including new innovative technology tools.

Valencia. In Valencia, Spain earlier this month, Patrick Pacious made his debut in Europe as the new President and CEO of Choice Hotels International replacing Steve Joyce. During the group's second European Convention, the former COO shared his vision on stage for Choice in the region and described the group's new tool box to enhance hoteliers' experience with a certain enthusiasm. Among others, Choice is shifting away from tertiary markets and smaller hotels to primary and secondary markets with larger hotels. In terms of technology, the group has already figured out how to use chatbots to book a room through its CRS.

Berlin/Pisa. Luxury travel is booming: high-price trips grew nearly twice as much as global travel did in general over the past years. Most luxury travelers come from the USA and China. Germany and France are the most popular luxury travel destinations in Europe.

Paris. Louvre Hotels Group invests in upscale and luxury properties by becoming the majority shareholder of the French Hôtels & Préférence Collection. The group adds 140 mostly charming hotels with 9,165 rooms to its international portfolio and secures itself a small market share in the high-end segment. Louvre will continue to buy wherever it finds opportunities. Saurabh Chawla, VP Development at Louvre Hotels Group, comments on this deal and future thoughts.

Paris/Syndney. While Chinese investments are said to be keeping the pace despite government restrictions, M&A is becoming a hot topic in the Asia Pacific region. This week, AccorHotels and Australian Mantra Group as well as Millenium & Copthorne Hotels made the headlines with multi-billion-dollar deals. Global consolidation continues.

Paris. AccorHotels announced on Monday that it has signed an agreement to acquire Gekko, a major player in the business travel hotel reservation segment valued 100 million euros. Also AccorHotels acquired a 50% stake in the share capital of Orient Express. And in Berlin, the private hotel Das Stue now belongs to the group's luxury hotel brands.

Chicago. Preferred Hotels & Resorts are growing by 30 to 40 hotels per year at the moment. Philipp Weghmann, Executive Vice President Europe, is very happy about that. This year, the global consortium is also growing through Preferred Residences: Up to 100 properties are to be added to the portfolio by the end of the year. In addition, the consortium distinguishes itself by its young but already internationally operating consulting subsidiary.

Munich. At the end of August, the German hotel consortium Ringhotels and four other European hotel consortia merged to form a global alliance of private hotels, which, together, represent more than 500 hotels in 65 countries.

Madrid. The Spanish hospitality industry says goodbye to the best summer season ever. But the Spanish market is also facing rumors: According to media reports, Barceló Hotel Group might be considering a merger with NH Hotels creating Spain’s biggest chain.

London. A leaked document from the Home Office, the British Ministry in charge of Law and Order, Immigration and Security, published last week by "The Guardian", confirms hospitality leaders' worst fears. The British Hotel Association calls the proposals to limit free movement "catastrophic". Many businesses will fail warns the association.