Latest news with #Barceló
Local Spain
21-05-2025
- Local Spain
How much will a holiday in Spain cost this summer?
Although Spain is historically seen as a cheap country, the reality is that prices have skyrocketed in the last few years, just like many other places and it may not seem like quite the bargain you may be expecting anymore. According to recent local news reports, prices doubled year-on-year in several parts of the country. Inflation and price hikes threaten to make this summer the most expensive in Spain in history. The average cost for a week-long holiday in Spain in August 2024 was €1,323. The most expensive provinces were Cádiz, Barcelona and A Coruña, while Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Murcia and Granada were the cheapest. It doesn't mean that you won't be able to find cheaper deals, but as summer is high season and Spaniards also take long holidays in their country during this period, demand and prices are generally high. In fact, in 2024 CPI index data showed that it was cheaper to take a summer holiday overseas for people in Spain than in their own country. To avoid being shocked by the current prices, here's a breakdown of what you can expect. Accommodation So far this year, hotels and guesthouses have increased by 23.1 percent in Spain and by 13.5 percent just between April and May. For example, a night in one of Granada's most touristy area costs an average of around €300 a night, while a week on the coast around Motril costs between €1,800 - €2,000. Major hotel chains such as Meliá, Barceló, Riu, and Iberostar anticipate another historic summer due to rising bookings and prices. They have boosted their sales by over 10 percent for the upcoming high season from June to September. Flights and package holidays Package holidays within Spain have increased by 2.7 percent year-on-year, while domestic flights have also shot up by 21.3 percent within the last year and by 16.5 percent between April and May. Eating out Dining out has become more in expensive in Spain too, so you might notice that order tapas or going for a paella on the beach will cost you more than in previous years. According to Spain's Consumer Price Index (CPI), costs of eating out in restaurants rose by 4.2 percent since March last year. And the cost of the fixed three-course lunch (menú del día) increased by an average of 6.1 percent in the last year. Tourist taxes The Balearic Islands have introduced a new Sustainable Tourism Tax (ITS). Prices are to rise from €4 per night to a maximum of €6 a night per person. For a two-week break this could mean an extra €70 per couple. Cruise passengers visiting the Balearics between June and August, will see their tourist tax tripled from €2 to €6 for each night they stay. Tenerife is now charging extra tourist taxes for those visiting natural areas such as Teide National Park, Anaga Rual Park and Teno Rural Park. Galicia and Asturias have both authorised tourist taxes for those that stay in the region, but it is up to each municipality to decide whether they will charge it or not. So if you're looking to holiday here, you should do your research to find out whether the place you're staying is going to charge it or not. Alicante has also increased the entrance fee to its castle and municipal museums. Car hire Car hire may be set to get more expensive too as the Balearic Islands have introduced a new levy based on emissions. This could range from an extra €30 to €80 extra. There is some good news, however, as gasoline prices have gone down by 11.7 percent in the last year and diesel fuel by 9.9 percent
Zawya
01-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Barceló Hotel Group reveals regional expansion plans driven by increased GCC demand
Upcoming openings in Bahrain and Oman by the end of 2025 further solidify the group's commitment to the region Revenue from GCC travellers increased significantly across international destinations, including Thailand (+277%), Spain (+264%) and Morocco (+5000%) 47% year-on-year increase in room nights from GCC markets expected in 2025, led by UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Oman GCC – Barceló Hotel Group, the leading Spanish hospitality company with over 300 properties across 30 countries, announced today at the Arabian Travel Market 2025 the brand's plans to enter the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, with its first hotel expected to open by the end of 2025. This highly anticipated debut is a testament to the Group's long-term expansion strategy in the GCC, where regional demand continues to surge at an unprecedented pace. The decision to enter Saudi Arabia comes as Barceló Hotel Group experiences a sharp rise in GCC-driven performance across its global portfolio. In 2024, room nights from Gulf countries grew by 10% year-on-year, led by the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and Oman. That momentum is expected to accelerate significantly in 2025, with a forecasted 47% increase in bookings from the region, bolstered by a rising contribution from Qatar. This year, the United Arab Emirates has entered Barceló Hotel Group's top 10 source markets across EMEA, underscoring the growing significance of the GCC to the brand's international footprint. The Group's flagship properties in the Middle East, including Barceló Al Jaddaf in Dubai and Barceló Mussanah Resort in Oman, continue to lead in market share from GCC travellers. In 2025, demand from Gulf-based guests has soared for international destinations across the portfolio, with Barceló Coconut Island in Thailand posting a 277% increase in revenue compared to 2024. Additionally, Occidental Puerto Banús in Spain saw a 264% jump, while Allegro Agadir in Morocco experienced a remarkable 5,000% growth in revenue, illustrating the brand's resonance with a globally mobile GCC audience seeking diverse leisure experiences. With Saudi Arabia undergoing a bold transformation under Vision 2030, Barceló Hotel Group's entrance aligns with the Kingdom's ambition to position itself as a global tourism hub. The Group's presence in the market is expected to support this evolution, while introducing travellers to Barceló's distinct blend of Spanish hospitality, elevated service, and locally inspired experiences. Returning to the Arabian Travel Market 2025, José Canals, Managing Director for Middle East, Asia, Mediterranean and North Africa at Barceló Hotel Group, says: 'Our expansion into Saudi Arabia is a natural progression for a brand that's seeing record demand from the Gulf. This is more than a new opening, it's a long-term investment into one of the world's most dynamic travel markets. We are excited to bring the Barceló experience to the Kingdom and contribute to its growing appeal among regional and international travellers.' Barceló Hotel Group continues to deepen its presence across other key GCC markets: In Bahrain, the upcoming Barceló Hotel & Residences, Bahrain is entering its final stages ahead of launch, promising a refined new offering in the heart of the capital. The Group is also on track to open a new property in Oman before the end of 2025. With over 65,000 rooms worldwide, the group operates under four distinct brands, Royal Hideaway Luxury Hotels & Resorts, Barceló Hotels & Resorts, Occidental Hotels & Resorts, and Allegro, each delivering tailored offerings across urban, leisure, and resort experiences. From established favourites to emerging destinations, the Group's growing portfolio reflects a strategic vision rooted in innovation, cultural connection, and an unwavering commitment to quality. For more information about Barceló Hotel Group and its expansion strategy, visit About Barceló Hotel Group Barceló Hotel Group, the hotel division of the Barceló Group, is the second largest hotel chain in Spain and is among the top 30 largest in the world in number of rooms. The group currently has more than 300 4 and 5-star urban and holiday hotels, totalling more than 65,000 rooms across 30 countries and marketed under four brands: Royal Hideaway Luxury Hotels & Resorts, Barceló Hotels & Resorts, Occidental Hotels & Resorts and Allegro Hotels. It is also part of the Crestline Hotels & Resorts group, an independent hotel company with 130 establishments. For more information, please visit Press contact: Shanna Uy, Q Communications E: shanna.u@
Egypt Today
10-02-2025
- Business
- Egypt Today
InvestmentMin meets with Barceló Hotel Group to promote tourism investment opportunities in Egypt
Cairo – February 10, 2025: Hassan El Khatib, Minister of Investment and Foreign Trade, held a meeting with Raúl González, CEO of the Barceló Hotel Group, during his trip to Spain. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss possible investment opportunities in Egypt's tourism and hotel industries. According to an official statement, the conversation centered on Barceló's interest in expanding its investments in popular Egyptian tourist destinations such as Cairo, Sharm El-Sheikh, Hurghada, and Marsa Alam. El Khatib noted that these conversations align with Egypt's broader strategy to boost tourism, with the goal of attracting 30 million visitors. This ambitious goal requires a substantial increase in hotel capacity, aiming for around 230,000 hotel rooms, with a longer-term target of reaching 500,000 rooms. The meeting also covered various investment opportunities within Egypt's tourism sector, including those available through the Sovereign Wealth Fund, particularly in the hotel industry. El Khatib mentioned opportunities to convert historical and heritage buildings owned by several ministries in Cairo and Alexandria into tourist hotels, which could enhance Egypt's tourism infrastructure. As part of the country's efforts to stimulate private sector contribution to the economy, and reduce state liabilities, the government placed several historical and heritage buildings under the Sovereign Fund of Egypt, including the Tahrir Complex. The Minister further emphasized Egypt's commitment to attracting major international hotel chains to contribute their expertise and investments to the development of the hotel sector. He also highlighted Barceló's ownership of travel agencies and airlines, emphasizing the importance of partnering with a company of such scale. In response, González shared that Barceló Hotel Group, one of the global leaders in the hotel and travel sector with 66,000 hotel rooms under its management, is keen to expand its presence in Egypt. He mentioned that a delegation from the company is scheduled to visit Cairo to explore further investment opportunities. Barceló currently operates two hotels in Egypt and is in talks to acquire and participate in several new projects.
