Major Hotel Developments Unfold Across Europe, Middle East, and Africa: Sofitel Takes Over Mövenpick El Gouna
A wave of significant hotel deals and strategic developments is sweeping across the Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) region, signaling robust growth and evolving landscapes within the hospitality sector. From new brand debuts to major renovations and high-profile acquisitions, the industry continues to demonstrate dynamic expansion.
Strategic Rebranding in Egypt: Mövenpick El Gouna Becomes Sofitel
One of the most notable transformations is set to occur on Egypt’s Red Sea coast. The renowned Mövenpick Resort & Spa El Gouna, a 420-room establishment operated by Accor, will soon be rebranded as the Sofitel El Gouna Resort. This transition follows a pivotal agreement with owner Orascom Development Egypt. A phased renovation, slated to commence in 2027, will usher in this new era for the property, enhancing its appeal under the prestigious Sofitel banner.
Expansions and Debuts Across the Region
The Radisson Hotel Group has marked a significant milestone with the debut of its Prize brand in Poland. The 125-room, new-build Prize by Radisson, Gdansk, now graces the Baltic coastline, expanding Radisson’s footprint in Eastern Europe.
In Egypt, IHG Hotels & Resorts is bolstering its presence with two new Holiday Inn-branded hotels in Aswan. The 200-room Holiday Inn Aswan, developed in partnership with Misr Holanda Real Estate, is projected to open in January 2030. Concurrently, the Holiday Inn Resort New Aswan, also featuring 200 rooms, is being realized with Avenue for Development and is expected to welcome guests in January 2031.
The Portuguese firm Pestana Hotel Group has made its inaugural entry into the Italian market with Le Massif in Courmayeur, an exquisite alpine town adjacent to Mont Blanc. This 80-room hotel is co-owned by Pestana, Castello SGR, and Oaktree Capital Management.
Minor Hotels’ Anantara Hotels & Resorts has completed a comprehensive renovation of its 173-room The Royal Livingstone Victoria Falls Zambia. Reopened on April 9th, the 25-year-old property has seen 93 of its keys refurbished, reaffirming its luxury status. Notably, the hotel co-owns the historic steam train, The Royal Livingstone Express, with Bushtracks Africa.
Further expanding its European portfolio, Minor Hotels has also inaugurated the 239-room Tivoli President Milano. Occupying a distinctive Brutalist building from 1965, the hotel boasts a significant proportion of suites. This addition complements Minor’s three existing Tivoli hotels in Italy, located near Trieste, Florence, and Lecce.
Acquisitions and Renovations Elevate Offerings
Manchester-based IDILIQ Hotels & Resorts has acquired its first property on the Spanish island of Mallorca, the Wyndham Portocolom Resort, which commenced operations on April 1st with 117 rooms. This acquisition aligns with IDILIQ’s portfolio, predominantly comprising Wyndham- and Ramada-branded properties.
In Ireland, the Mount Juliet Estate has concluded an extensive renovation, meticulously restoring the 18th-century grandeur of The Manor House in Kilkenny. This 1757 mansion, set on 500 acres alongside the River Nore, now features a Michelin-starred restaurant and a 12-seater cinema, offering a total of 93 rooms across the estate.
London’s hospitality scene is set to welcome two new Point A Hotels-branded assets from developer and operator Queensway Group. These include a 236-room hotel in the heart of the City of London and a 105-room establishment in High Holborn.
Hilton completed a significant renovation of the iconic Hilton Istanbul Bosphorus in April. First opened in 1955 and having hosted luminaries such as Grace Kelly and Louis Armstrong, the hotel underwent a $90 million overhaul, revitalizing all 475 guest rooms and public spaces.
The 430-room, Accor-branded Pullman Paris Tour Eiffel hotel has been sold by Morgan Stanley and QuinSpark Investment Partners to a consortium managed by Luxembourg-based real estate investment group Batipart Europe. While the price remains undisclosed, reports indicate an acquisition value of approximately £374.5 million ($507 million). QuinSpark will continue to operate the hotel, which is slated for renovation.
Anticipated Openings
The Hard Rock Hotel Malta is slated to open in July in St. George’s Bay. Construction, which began in 2021, will culminate in a property featuring 397 rooms, including 25 suites with private heated pools, alongside 10 restaurants and bars, and a 5,000-square-foot ballroom.
The Zetter Group inaugurated the 68-room Zetter Bloomsbury at the beginning of April, directly opposite the British Museum. This new hotel boasts one of London’s largest private gardens, an almost 11,000-square-foot space that harmoniously blends British tradition with subtle Japanese influences.
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