Portugal: Hotel management, investment, technology and development company Highgate has launched HG Portugal, expanding the group’s operational presence in the region.
HG Portugal launches with a portfolio of 18 hotels spanning the Algarve, Lisbon, Porto, and several other markets throughout Portugal. It comes as Highgate, alongside Davidson Kempner Capital Manager and Kronos, acquire the Portuguese investment manager ECS Capital.
The portfolio includes hotels operating within the Hilton and IHG brand families, as well as several independent hotels such as Cascade Resort, Salgados Palace, and Sao Rafael Atlantico. Additional assets include lifestyle boutique hotels, urban full-service hotels, waterfront luxury resorts, and large convention facilities.
Highgate has appointed Alexandre Solleiro as CEO of HG Portugal. Solleiro brings over 30 years of hospitality leadership experience in Portugal and is joined by a team across all disciplines.
Nicholas Mellis, VP of acquisitions and development at Highgate, said: “This acquisition represents an excellent opportunity to add well-located assets to Highgate’s platform and achieve immediate scale in a region that’s experiencing exceptionally strong secular growth. We look forward to bringing to bear the capabilities and insights from Highgate’s approximately 500-hotel management platform to launch this dedicated Portugal operating platform, and to continuing to scale across Europe.”
Arash Azarbarzin, CEO of Highgate, added: “The launch of HG Portugal complements Highgate’s recent re-entry into the UK management space, furthering the application of our proven business towards strategic global opportunities. Honed over the last 30 years, we will apply our innovative approach to operations, distribution, food and beverage, branding, and positioning during a remarkable moment for Portugal, as more travellers are discovering its magnificence as a prime destination.”
The launch of HG Portugal follow the addition of two property additions in the UK – the Dorsett City London Hotel and Grosvenor House Suites in London’s Mayfair. Effective March 1, 2023, Highgate will begin operating the Dorsett City London Hotel under a relaunched concept as part of a larger repositioning.
