Berlin International Hotel Investment Forum 2010 Conveys Gradual Recovery Outlook and Investment Opportunities

With a robust showing of more than 1,600 senior business decision-makers and CEOs from major hotel chains, the 13th annual International Hotel Investment Forum included energetic discussions regarding the state of the industry, recovery and investment opportunities. The three-day forum also reported an increase of attendance over 2009 and an influx of 500 new attendees who had not attended IHIF the previous year.

The theme of IHIF 2010, “Charting the Course for Intelligent Growth,” was mentioned often throughout the conference by the more than 140 speakers, and was also touched upon by top-level brand executives during educational sessions. While the general takeaway from IHIF 2010 regarding recovery leaned toward incremental positive growth, many speakers expressed the belief that recovery was going to be slow and would take longer than expected.

“Development is a lengthy process,” said Simon M. Turner, president, global development, Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide. “You don’t wake up one morning and expect to turn the pipeline on—and it doesn’t turn off either. It’s a cyclical industry, I think you have to keep plugging away and if you have a longer-term view…if you stick to your basics, and keep plugging along, we’re going to continue to see growth.”

Between educational sessions, IHIF took time out to recognize hospitality professionals who have made a difference and continue to leave an impact on industry. This year’s conference honored J.W. (Bill) Marriott, Jr., Chairman and CEO of Marriott International, as the esteemed recipient of the Lifetime Achievement award. The IHIF Lifetime Achievement award is presented to an individual who, over his or her lifetime, has made a significant difference in the hospitality industry by their actions, deeds and accomplishments. Mr. Marriott joins previous Lifetime Achievement Winners: Isadore Sharpe, Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts; Lord Forte, Forte Hotels; Gabriel Escarrer, Sol Melia; Paul Dubrule & Gerard Pellison, Accor; Georg Rafael, Rafael Hotels; Marilyn Carlson Nelson, Carlson; PRS Oberoi, Oberoi Hotels; Kurt Ritter, Rezidor; Jim Sherwood, Orient-Express; David Michels, Hilton International and Michael Hirst OBE, CB Richard Ellis Hotels. IHIF also awarded Roderick Micallef, Director of Finance and Acting General Manager of the Corinthia Hotel, Lisbon as the 2010 Young Leader.

New for 2010, IHIF introduced the “Investment Den” as an opportunity for developers to present their projects to a group of investors who are willing to “invest” in their development hosted by Sir David Michels, Deputy Chairman, Marks & Spencers; Chairman Easyjet and Board Member of Strategic Hotels & Jumeirah Group. Participating development projects included Pullman Dublin Airport, Patrick Sanville, Director Hotels, BNP Paribas Real Estate; Yotel Heathrow Central, Gerard Green, Chief Executive Officer, YOTEL; The Pyramids Palace at the Museum, Cairo, Rolf D. Raima, Vice President Operations, Masterline for Hotels and Touristic Developments. The winner of this year’s exciting Investment Den was Yotel Heathrow Central by Gerard Green, Chief Executive Office of Yotel.

In the evenings of IHIF, delegates were invited to enjoy receptions at the Leonardo and InterContinental hotels to continue discussions from the day and network with their peers. IHIF also held the annual Networking Express on the first evening to allow delegates the chance to meet more than 50 people in 90 minutes in a “speed dating” atmosphere.

“The Networking Express was an extremely well-attended event and I thought that it truly evidenced the spirit of deals,” stated Stacy Silver, Executive Director of Events, HotelWorld Network. “It was apparent that delegates were highly engaged with one another and wanted to experience the value of connecting with each other during the event. IHIF 2010 as a whole showed us that we can finally see the light at the end of the tunnel for the industry. It may be slower than we want, but it’s clearly on its way.”

“Industry consultants were more bullish than 12 months ago and there were repeated comments from industry experts that 2010 could be the year to get on the roller coaster ride,” said Jonathan Worsley, co-founder of the IHIF. “The industry is showing signs of life and the feeling at IHIF was one of cautious optimism. The industry is dusting itself off, moving in the right direction and seeking intelligent and sustainable platforms for growth.”