Barceló Hotel Group Invests Over $400 Million for Global Expansion in 2024
- May 15, 2024
- FMCG HORECA BUSINESS

Barceló Hotel Group, the leading Spanish hospitality management company, has announced its ambitious 2024 global expansion strategy, with plans to open new properties in key markets worldwide. This strategy represents an investment of over $400 million and includes significant expansion in the Middle East, Africa, and Türkiye (MEAT) region.
Building on the momentum of an exceptional 2023, which saw the opening of 25 new properties and a 20% increase in total revenue, Barceló Hotel Group aims to continue its growth by acquiring new hotels, refurbishing existing properties, and repositioning projects. This commitment underscores the group's dedication to new and existing markets and strengthens its position as the leading Spanish hospitality management company in the MEAT region.
José Canals, Managing Director for Middle East, Asia, Mediterranean, and North Africa at Barceló Hotel Group, commented, “In 2023, Barceló Hotel Group experienced incredible success across our global portfolio. Building on this, we have outlined a strategic expansion approach that will support growing our footprint across thriving global travel destinations. The MENA region has rapidly grown in demand for international tourism, and our growth strategy will focus on key source markets. At Barceló Hotel Group, we are poised to meet the needs of international and local travellers, enhancing guest experiences with the Spanish hospitality flair.”
Key Regional Expansions
In the Middle East, Barceló Hotel Group will open its first property in Bahrain in the second half of 2024, adding 195 keys to its regional portfolio. In the UAE, the iconic Occidental Al Jaddaf will undergo a strategic revamp and rebrand as Barceló Al Jaddaf, attaining a five-star rating by Q4 2024. The group also plans new property signings in Oman.
In Türkiye, Barceló currently operates Barceló Istanbul, Occidental Taksim in Istanbul, and Occidental Ankara. In May 2024, a new five-star property will open in Cappadocia, with additional investments planned for urban destinations such as Izmir, Bursa, Konya, Antalya, and Bodrum.
African Ventures
Barceló Hotel Group will debut its ‘Occidental Hotel & Resorts’ brand in Morocco with a 170-key four-star hotel in Tangier. Significant investments of over $85 million will be made in acquiring and refurbishing two five-star hotels under the ‘Royal Hideaway Hotels & Resorts’ and ‘Barceló’ brands in Casablanca and Rabat. Additionally, existing properties like Barceló Fčs Medina and Allegro Agadir in Morocco will be refurbished, and Barceló Palmeraie in Marrakech will be transformed into a luxurious oasis.
In Cape Verde, the group will open its first city hotel on Santiago island and plans to expand to Sal and Boa Vista by the end of the year. In Tanzania, a luxury resort under the ‘Royal Hideaway Hotel & Resorts’ brand will break ground on the island of Zanzibar.
Global Expansion
Barceló Hotel Group is also expanding in Indonesia and the Maldives, with new urban and luxury properties planned in Malé and North Male Atoll. The group continues to grow in Thailand and Sri Lanka, and in Europe, it has recently acquired two hotels in Madeira, Portugal, and will inaugurate Royal Hideaway Corales Villas in Tenerife, Spain, in H2 2024.
With over 300 hotels in 30 countries, Barceló Hotel Group’s strategic expansion into key markets such as the UAE, KSA, Oman, Bahrain, and Qatar, along with significant investments in North Africa, exemplifies its vision and commitment to excellence in the global hospitality sector.
Raul González, CEO of Barceló Hotel Group, concludes, “Barceló Hotel Group’s robust expansion strategy aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals under the Barceló ReGen initiative, ensuring our growth drives economic and social benefits, promoting cultural enrichment and environmental preservation in the communities in which we operate.”
Exclusive Benefits for Guests
To celebrate these exciting developments, Barceló Hotel Group offers exclusive benefits for guests, including welcome drinks, complimentary room upgrades, flexible check-in and check-out times, and a 20% discount on all food and beverage services. Don’t miss out on these fantastic perks and make unforgettable memories at Barceló's stunning new locations worldwide.