London,
09
March
2021
|
14:53
Europe/London

Domestic travel expected to drive European Hotel recovery

The recovery of the European hotel market will initially be driven by domestic travel demand, with hotel revenues not forecast to recover across the market to pre-pandemic levels until 2024, according to the latest research from global real estate advisor, CBRE.

The findings show that European countries with strong domestic leisure and corporate demand and less reliance on international demand, particularly long haul, are likely to recover sooner. This was the case during the partial reopening of hotels in H2 2020 where domestic leisure demand was the key driver of hotel performance across Europe. Hotels with a strong leisure offering performed strongly when travel restrictions were eased, and serviced apartments generally outperformed the market with guests attracted by their size and ability to allow guests to socially distance.

The challenging trading conditions and market uncertainty contributed to a decline in hotel investment volumes in all countries across Europe in the 12-months to Q4 2020, with hotel investment totalling €9.4bn, a decrease of 66% year-on-year.

However, the sector remains very attractive to investors and according to the report, significant additional capital was raised in 2020 by a wide range of investors to target hotel opportunities.

Owen Pritchard, Executive Director, EMEA Hotels, CBRE
We expect a slow recovery across the market in 2021 but with pent up demand driving strong performance in the leisure sector during the summer months and early autumn. Consumer behaviour will continue to drive product innovation and ESG will become increasingly important. Operating structures will continue to evolve, and franchises will remain the predominant way most brands continue to grow distribution.
Owen Pritchard, Executive Director, EMEA Hotels, CBRE
Miguel Casas, Head of Hotel Investment Properties, Continental Europe at CBRE
Lack of stock and disparities in buyer and seller pricing expectations added to the already challenging year that the hotel sector faced as a result of the pandemic. As we look forward, we expect deal flow to pick-up towards the second half of the year as capital continues to be raised for the hotel real estate sector and pricing expectations become more aligned.
Miguel Casas, Head of Hotel Investment Properties, Continental Europe at CBRE