TOP 10 LARGEST HOTEL GROUPS OF THE WORLD

Since 2004 IHG is the largest hotel group in the world – today the group includes over 600,000 rooms. In the second half of 2008, 25,000 rooms joined the group’s inventory, whilst the pipeline growth of 250,000 over the next few years makes sure that IHG will remain on the top. The growth of the group was aided by the expansion of Holiday Inn Express and this was supported with the expansion of Crowne Plaza and the arrival of Staybridge Suites and Indigo boutique hotels in Europe. With 5,9% global room supply growth IHG remains the largest hotel group in the world.

Wyndham Hotel Group is the world’s second largest. This US hotel group has a 7.7% increase in its rooms supply. The acquisition of two brands from Global Hyatt – the economy Microtel Inns & Suites and the long-stay product Hawthorn Suites helped the development adding in total almost 400 new properties.

Marriott International maintains the average growth of 4.7% as well as extensive expansion plans – 800 hotels totalling 125,000 rooms. The group is also making considerable investment in its existing brands.

Hilton Hotels is the fourth largest group in the world. 300 new properties were added to it’s portfolio in 2008. The growth of this group remains strong mainly in the US, Hilton’s home country. Hilton is also taking advantage of its brand's international movement. Doubletree, Homewood Suites and particularly Hilton Garden Inn and Hampton Inn have begun a big global development.

Accor Group has almost 500,000 rooms, with annual growth of 3.7%. The group opened its 800th Ibis brand in Shanghai, China. Together with the growth from Etap Hotels and Formule1 it secured its position in the global budget / economy sector. Overall, Accor's expansion plans continue to remain a priority, with 105,000 new rooms planned.

Recording a global room supply growth of 4.5%, American franchiser Choice Hotels has not moved from its position in the ranking. Upscale brand Cambria expanded rapidly with 12 hotels in operation and a pipeline of 61 properties. In order to better diversify its supply, the group is considering the creation of two new upscale brands, a full service, as well as an extended stay concept.

Best Western development in Europe, especially in France, is strong despite the global supply decreased by just over one 1%. In 2008 the group opened its first 5-star property in Europe, in Prague. The upscale Premier label is gaining importance, with its arrival in China and Dubai.

The revitalization of the group’s Sheraton is up to 70% complete and is now beginning to pay off, with supply growing of 10 hotels despite disappearance of approximately 20 hotels, no longer corresponding to the new standards.

Carlson is with 150,000 rooms, representing an increase of 2%, the ninth largest hotel group in the world. The goal of 20,000 rooms in operation or development in Asia-Pacific has been reached. In Europe Carlson announced to increase its holdings in Rezidor a group which promises to have a dynamic growth.

Although recording a global room supply decline of 17.4% Global Hyatt still makes the world’s group number 10.  This decline was however the result of the group’s strategy to concentrate on its upscale segment. Apart from this all brands experienced a solid growth.

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