Hilton Expands in Portugal with Mercan Group Partnership
Hilton is rapidly expanding its presence in Portugal, aiming to double its portfolio from 12 to 24 hotels within the next two years. This growth will add over 2,000 rooms, reflecting the increasing tourism demand in the country, especially in Lisbon.
David Kelly, Hilton’s Senior Vice President for Continental Europe, emphasized the importance of Portugal in Hilton’s expansion plans. He noted that Hilton had only two hotels in the country a decade ago. By 2026, this number will reach 24.
New Hotels in Key Locations
Hilton plans to open new hotels in Lisbon, the Algarve, and the south of Comporta in 2025 and 2026. One of the highlights is the Santo André Beach Hotel in Comporta, which will be the first international hotel brand in the region. This hotel, featuring 44 rooms under the Tapestry Collection by Hilton, is the result of a franchise agreement with the Mercan Group. Kelly described it as a fantastic hotel facing the beach, perfectly blending with the surrounding nature.
Carlos Miró, Hilton’s General Director of Development for Spain and Portugal, mentioned that the Santo André Beach Hotel is generating significant interest within Hilton’s teams.
Hilton also partnered with the Mercan Group to open a new hotel in Lisbon near the airport. The DoubleTree by Hilton Lisbon Airport, with 199 rooms and 20 suites, is set to open in 2025.
Expanding in the Algarve
In the Algarve, Hilton is expanding its resort portfolio with five hotels in the near future. This includes projects in Alvor and near Lagos Marina under the Curio Collection by Hilton brand. Kelly highlighted the rapid growth in Hilton’s resort portfolio, with plans to open 10 hotels in southern Europe in 2024.
Global Expansion
Globally, Hilton is in the midst of an unprecedented expansion phase, opening a hotel every day. With 7,626 hotels worldwide and plans to add 3,375 more, the company is on track to increase its room count by 472,000. Strong financial performance, including $268 million in earnings in the first quarter of 2024, is driving these ambitious plans.
Future Growth in Europe
In Europe, Hilton plans to open 245 hotels, with Kelly anticipating strong growth in 2024, especially with major events like the football championship in Germany and the Olympics in Paris.
Hilton currently employs 800 people in Portugal and sees tremendous opportunity for continued growth in the country. Kelly affirmed Hilton’s commitment to expanding its portfolio, capitalizing on the booming tourism industry in Portugal.
