By Stephen Renard
BERLIN — The Questex International Hospitality Investment Forum EMEA (IHIF EMEA) has once again cemented its reputation as a premier event in the hospitality-investment landscape. Hosted at the InterContinental and Pullman hotels in Berlin in April, this year’s forum drew more than 2,500 industry professionals. The conference brought together many threads of discussion, emphasizing innovation and inspiration to empower the community in navigating the market, realizing their visions and seizing new opportunities.
The event featured presentations by James Pomeroy from HSBC; Elie Malouf, CEO of IHG Hotels & Resorts; Mark Hoplamazian, CEO of Hyatt Hotels; Frederico Gonzalez, CEO of Radisson Hotels; Sebastien Bazin, CEO of Accor; and Guy Verhofstadt, former Prime Minister of Belgium.
A highlight of IHIF EMEA 2024 was the Investor Council meeting, where a positive outlook on the transactions market was tempered by concerns over geopolitical tensions, high interest rates and labour-market pressures. Despite these challenges, there’s a robust interest in increasing allocations to hospitality, with the lifestyle segment long-term stay accommodation particularly attracting attention due to their robust performance and potential. The IHIF EMEA not only provided a platform for deep industry insights but also fostered a collaborative environment where innovation and strategic vision could thrive, underscoring the event’s role in shaping the future of hospitality investment.
Beyond the realms of traditional hospitality, IHIF IMEA sheds light on the convergence of industries, as evidenced by the burgeoning trend of “hotelization” in real estate. Investors and operators are embracing the principles of hospitality design and guest-centricity across diverse asset classes, signaling a departure from conventional paradigms towards a more experiential and customer-centric approach.
Despite the prevailing uncertainties, investors remain buoyed by the resilience of hospitality assets and the enduring allure of travel and tourism experiences. As Rob Schneider aptly observed, the global pipeline of hotel rooms continues to burgeon, underscoring the robust appetite for hospitality real-estate investments across key markets.
As the event wrapped up, attendees were left with a wealth of insights and opportunities, poised to navigate the evolving terrain of hospitality investment with renewed vigor and foresight. In an era defined by rapid change and transformative innovation, the adage rings true: adapt or risk becoming a footnote in the annals of hospitality history.
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