IHIF 2014: Optimism returning to the global hotel industry

Optimism about hotel development, financing and property values prevailed among the 2,000 delegates from 73 countries who attended the 17th annual International Hotel Investment Forum (IHIF) , which t

Optimism about hotel development, financing and property values prevailed among the 2,000 delegates from 73 countries who attended the 17th annual International Hotel Investment Forum (IHIF) , which took place last week at the InterContinental Berlin.

The positive tone was reflected in presentations by 200 speakers during the three-day event. There was consensus that property values are increasing, banks are more willing to lend at sensible loan-to-value ratios and substantial growth in the Asia Pacific region will continue to dominate the development agenda.

Kerry Gumas, president & CEO of Questex Media Group, the conferenceโ€™s producer, summed up the mood among Berlin attendees โ€“ from economists to global CEOs and at panel discussions and networking sessions โ€“ as โ€œconfidence returning to the sector.โ€

He observed than more than 25 percent of the delegates were chairmen or chief executives of their companies, demonstrating that IHIF โ€œbrings together the leadership of the industry.โ€
Gumas also noted that the tourism ministers of Tanzania, Brazil and Indonesia, among others, provided valuable insights into the appetite for investment and the respective opportunities available in these countries.

The globally acclaimed conference has long been seen as the forum where international organizations choose to release their breaking news, and this year was no exception. Companies including InterContinental Hotels Group, Choice Hotels International, Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group, Berwin Leighton Paisner, HVS, Christie + Co, Hilton Worldwide and JLL all released breaking news at the conference.

For example, Hilton Worldwide announced it was signing a management agreement with First Qatar Real Estate Development Company to open the 445-room Hilton Doha The Pearl Residences in Qatar. IHG announced it was adding six new hotels to its portfolio. Staff announcements included the appointment of Andreas Scriven as international managing director for Christie + Co. JLL announced a global rebranding.

Various reports and research also were released at the event to support the opinions of speakers and delegates including the launch of the first BLP European Hotel Market Survey and European Hotel Transactions and Valuation Index from HVS.

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Linda Hohnholz

Editor in chief for eTurboNews based in the eTN HQ.

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