In late March and early April 2025, Berlin’s iconic InterContinental and Pullman hotels proudly hosted the 27th edition of the International Hospitality Investment Forum for Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (IHIF EMEA), an event truly embodying its theme: “Own the Moment” — Forging the Future of Hospitality Investment. This pivotal conference convened more than 2,500 professionals, including over 700 investors overseeing assets totaling $581 billion, all gathered to shape the industry’s trajectory and advance hospitality investment.
A Surge in Hospitality Investment Confidence
With 30% of its investors attending for the first time, IHIF EMEA 2025 demonstrated remarkable growth — notably a 15% increase in investor attendance compared to the previous year. Attendees included C-suite executives, VPs, and directors across a spectrum of industry segments, from hotel operators to real estate developers, all keen on the future of hospitality investment.
Key Themes and Strategic Outlook for Hospitality’s Future
The forum tackled macroeconomic and sector-specific challenges, such as inflation and fluctuating interest rates, emphasizing the importance of deploying available “dry powder” capital once markets stabilize. Through carefully curated tracks—“Ideate, Invest, Perform”—delegates gained insights into geopolitical shifts, demographic trends, technological innovation, and ESG imperatives shaping hospitality investment today. Discussions aimed to help participants “Own the Moment” by adapting to and influencing these changes.
Distinguished Speakers Shaping Investment in Hospitality
Over 190 speakers, including top-tier executives, intellectuals, and innovators, graced the stage to share their perspectives on the future of hospitality. Prominent figures included:
- Anthony Capuano (President & CEO, Marriott International)
- Sébastien Bazin (CEO, Accor)
- Mark Hoplamazian (President & CEO, Hyatt)
- Elie Maalouf (CEO, IHG Hotels & Resorts)
- Federico Gonzalez (Executive Vice-Chair, Radisson Hotel Group)
Additionally, keynote addresses were delivered by Dex Hunter-Torricke (former SpaceX & Facebook), Alexander Börsch (Chief Economist, Deloitte), and British journalist Jon Sopel. Sessions included candid Q&As like “Hospitality performance question time,” in which executives from operators such as Accor, Radisson, and HR Group discussed operational challenges and the impact of data analytics on revenue optimization, crucial for robust hospitality investment.
Networking for Future Hospitality Investment Opportunities
IHIF EMEA 2025 featured innovative networking formats, such as Power Hour—an AI-driven matchmaking service—and the Booking.com Bar & Networking Pavilion, designed for both scheduled and spontaneous interactions. Investor receptions, capital-focused breakfasts, and lounges created a vibrant ecosystem for deal-making and professional exchange, all geared towards forging the future of hospitality investment.
Deal Flow and Industry Accolades in Hospitality Investment
During the event, more than 50 investment initiatives were announced. Highlights included expansions by Marriott’s Sheraton Four Points brand, IHG’s launches across 13 countries, and the acquisition of London’s Nobu Hotel by Limestone Capital, alongside major transactions by Hilton and Club Med, showcasing the active landscape of hospitality investment.
To champion emerging talent, IHIF awarded Nicola Bandera the Young Leader Award and recognized the Vienna House Easy project with a Pitch Perfect distinction. The HAMA Award for asset management was granted to Pygmalion Capital for its real estate portfolio in Florence.
Conclusion: A Catalyst for Future Hospitality Investment
IHIF EMEA 2025 transcended its role as a conference by acting as a deal incubator and strategic think tank. It reaffirmed hospitality’s appeal as a high-performing asset class in a climate of economic headwinds and enhanced liquidity. With its rich blend of insight, technology, connection, and capital, the forum set a benchmark for the industry, truly helping to “Own the Moment” and forge the future of hospitality investment.
Preparations are now underway for the next edition in spring 2026, again in Berlin. Based on the enduring impact and achievements of the 2025 event, it’s clear that IHIF EMEA will continue shaping the future of hospitality across the EMEA region.
