Redaccion TH

🏨 Spain's hotel market closed 2024 with an investment volume of 3.3 billion euros. National capital represented 59% of the investment, while international investors contributed 41%. The average price per room hit a record of 195,000 euros, with the Six Senses Ibiza hotel setting a historic high at 1.7 million euros per room. Four-star hotels dominated with 58% of the total invested. Barcelona and Madrid led urban transactions with 572 and 589 million euros, respectively, while the Balearic Islands captured 42% of vacation segment investment. Hotel groups were the leading investors at 38%, while family offices and private investors held 30%. Noteworthy transactions included the acquisition of Hotel Miguel Ángel by Lopesan and Stoneweg and the record-breaking sale of Six Senses Ibiza. Christie & Co forecasts that 2025 might match the 3.3 billion euros of 2024, supported by economic recovery and an expected influx of over 94 million tourists.

🌍 Benidorm ha sido designada como Pionera Verde Europea del Turismo Inteligente 2025 por la Comisión Europea, y Turín como Capital Europea del Turismo Inteligente 2025. Benidorm fue el primer Destino Turístico Inteligente Certificado del mundo en 2015 y ha logrado un Índice de Equilibrio de Estacionalidad del 84,6 y un Índice de Equilibrio de Producto Turístico del 64,7, con una estancia media de 6,2 días por visitante. Turín, destacado por su innovación y cultura, generó más de 32 millones de euros en eventos culturales en 2024 y alcanzó un Índice de Sentimiento de 89/100, con el Museo Egipcio y la Mole Antonelliana alcanzando 93/100 y 94/100 respectivamente.

🏕 RIU Hotels & Resorts, led by CEO Luis Riu, reported 2024 revenues of €4.082 billion with an average occupancy of 89%. RIU's sustainability strategy "Proudly Committed" achieved significant milestones: 70% of hotels using renewable electricity, 50% carbon footprint reduction within two years, and 80% of hotels sustainability certified. Their Mauritius complex, with 2,500 solar panels, exemplifies their commitment. The company's technology focus includes the "Elite Club" and expansion with projects like Riu Plaza Chicago. RIU plans 2025 openings in Formentera, Cancún, and Phuket, while Carmen Riu's retirement marks a new era with the fourth generation, Luis and Roberto Riu, taking on key roles.

🏖️ The travel experience sector in Spain outperformed global growth in 2024, with 50% of Spanish operators reporting growth compared to 38% globally. Optimism for 2025 is higher among Spanish operators at 74%, versus 62% worldwide. Digital bookings in Spain account for 58%, with 25% through operator websites and 33% via online travel agencies. Spanish operators utilize advanced booking systems (68%), connect with resellers through APIs (46%), and experiment with AI (43%). Arival 360 | Valencia, sponsored by Civitatis, will be held from April 28-30, 2025 at the Palacio de Congresos de Valencia, emphasizing innovation in the industry. Spanish operators work with an average of 10 distribution partners, highlighting the role of OTAs in Spain's market.

🏢 Phocuswright Europe 2025 will take place from June 10-12, 2025, at Palau de Congressos de Catalunya, Barcelona. The conference will explore disruptive forces redefining travel, covering intermediaries' evolution, emerging technologies' impact, and travelers' new expectations. The 2024 event saw over 600 attendees, with expectations to exceed this number. Early registration is available at 1095 euros. For more details, visit www.phocuswrighteurope.com.