Questex successfully concluded its International Hospitality Investment Forum (IHIF) Asia.
This edition of the regional IHIF marked its return to Hong Kong which, in turn, underscores its long-standing commitment to the hospitality sector in the region.
IHIF Asia welcomed around 500 delegates from 27 countries and 185 hotel investors managing more than US$216 billion in hotel investments. As such, it served as a critical platform for exploring future opportunities in hospitality.
Throughout the event, industry leaders discussed hospitality’s enduring appeal and resilience, highlighting how the sector has evolved from being heavily impacted by COVID-19 to showing rapid recovery and growth potential.
Key speakers including Kenneth Gaw of Gaw Capital Partners and Dr. Sabine Schaffer of Pro-invest Group emphasised hospitality as a hedge against inflation and a promising consumer-driven sector, especially with the rise of the Asian middle class.
The panel also explored geographical expansion strategies, with insights on preferred markets such as Japan, Southeast Asia, and Hong Kong SAR, all seen as strong long-term investments.
IHIF Asia also featured discussions on operational strategies and the importance of in-house management to mitigate risks, with experts from Nina Hospitality, Ares Management Corporation, and Pro-invest Group sharing their approaches to adding value through capex, business fixes, and development capabilities.
This hands-on approach was echoed by Sunset Hospitality Group (SHG), which recently expanded its portfolio by acquiring a majority stake in Maximal Concepts, including the acclaimed brand Mott 32, further illustrating the dynamic growth and investment opportunities within the hospitality industry.
