Trends and Opportunities in the Iberian Peninsula Hotel Sector

Despite the volatility present in the markets and the differences in their rates of change, there are segments within the real estate sector that continue to maintain a remarkable dynamism. Such is the case of the hotel sector in the Iberian Peninsula, which continues to be an attractive investment point. According to the "Hotel Operator Beat" study conducted by Cushman & Wakefield Hospitality for the Iberian Peninsula, which involved interviews with 42 hotel company executives representing more than 1,100 hotels in the region, some key conclusions stand out.

Attractive Cities for the Construction of New Hotels:

  - The most attractive urban hotel market in the Iberian Peninsula is in Malaga, with a rating of 4.3 out of 5, followed by Madrid (4.2), Barcelona (4) and Lisbon (3.9).

  - Compared to the previous year, Andorra and San Sebastian experienced the greatest growth in terms of attractiveness to operators, with an increase of 7%. Although San Sebastian's overall rating (3.7) significantly exceeds that of Andorra (2.5).

2. Tourist Interest in the Iberian Peninsula:

  - The results underscore the appetite for tourism in the Iberian Peninsula, reflected in the interest of both operators and investors in expanding their activities in various markets.

  - The diversity of leisure, resort and urban destinations creates competitive advantages compared to other tourist destinations.

3. Preferences in Vacation Destinations:

  - Mallorca leads the ranking of the most attractive holiday destinations, followed by the Costa del Sol and Ibiza.

  - Hotel operators anticipate an exceptional performance for luxury hotels and resorts this year.

4. Evolution of Hotel Contracts:

  - Since last year, 33% more operators are offering hybrid contract models, which combine fixed and variable rents.

  - 56% of operators consider paying higher rents in hotels that meet stringent ESG (environmental, social and governance) criteria.

5. Recovery of Post-Pandemic Activity:

  - The report reveals that 36% of respondents experience no delays in the development of new hotel projects, indicating an ongoing recovery of activity on the Iberian Peninsula.

  - Reasons cited for hotel project delays or cancellations included rising project costs (62%), financing difficulties (45%) and economic uncertainty (38%).

In summary, the Iberian Peninsula's hotel sector remains attractive to investors and operators, with a focus on cities such as Malaga, Madrid, Barcelona and Lisbon. The diversity of destinations and the adaptation to new trends, such as ESG criteria, reflect the resilience and growth potential in the region.