Canadian company unveils €450m hotel development plans across Portugal

The Canadian conglomerate aims to establish three hotels by the end of the year

Canadian company unveils €450m hotel development plans across Portugal

Mercan Group, headquartered in Montreal, Canada, has revealed plans for a number of hotel developments to begin construction this year, signalling its significant investment in Portugal’s hospitality sector.

Spearheaded by Mercan Properties’ Construction and Development General Manager, Miguel Gomes, the Canadian conglomerate aims to establish three hotels by the end of the year, totaling 1,400 rooms, amplifying their foothold in the country.

Although the exact locations of the forthcoming eight hotels remain undisclosed, the confirmed flagship project, the Hard Rock Hotel at Vau Beach, Portimão, is scheduled to open in 2026. This landmark establishment is poised to generate 400 job opportunities and will feature 452 luxurious rooms and suites, offering an extensive array of amenities such as a Kids Club, multiple dining options, pools, a Rock Spa, fitness facilities, and direct beach access. Furthermore, the Hard Rock Hotel Algarve will include conference amenities.

Ahead of the 2024 summer season, Mercan Properties will inaugurate three hotels with an investment totaling €54.6 million. These establishments include the Holiday Inn Express Porto-Boavista, the Holiday Inn Express Évora – the group’s second unit in the city, and the Holiday Inn Beja. Managed by AHM – Ace Hospitality Management, a Mercan Group subsidiary, these hotels will offer a combined room count of 262 and affirm the group’s commitment to Portugal’s flourishing real estate landscape.

Upon completion of these projects, Mercan Properties, which has entered Portugal since 2015, will possess a portfolio of 30 hotels spread across various Portuguese locations. These encompass Porto, Vila Nova de Gaia, Matosinhos, Lisbon, Amarante, Santiago do Cacém, Évora, Beja, Algarve, and Madeira Island. Beyond Portugal, the Canadian Mercan Group maintains a global presence in China, India, the United Arab Emirates, and the United States of America.

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