Mercan Group to Reach 30 Hotels in Portugal by 2030, Welcoming the First Hard Rock Brand

• 15 December, 25

Mercan’s Journey in Portugal Since 2015

Mercan Group entered the Portuguese market in 2015, launching its first flagship project, Casa da Companhia in Porto. This marked the beginning of a long-term investment strategy aimed at revitalizing historic buildings, strengthening local tourism, and positioning Portugal as a global hospitality hub.

Over the past decade, Mercan has evolved into one of the top hotel developers in Portugal. The company is recognized for its integrated development model—covering investment, construction, and hotel operations—and for maintaining long-lasting partnerships with leading brands like Marriott, Hilton, and IHG.

A Strong and Growing Hotel Portfolio in Portugal

As of 2025, Mercan Properties proudly manages 15 operational hotels across key regions including Porto, Lisbon, Amarante, Évora, and the Algarve. This portfolio is backed by:

• €1.2 billion+ in total investment
• 4,100+ international investors
• A development model focused on urban rehabilitation and sustainability

Through continuous expansion, Mercan has played a significant role in strengthening Portugal’s tourism infrastructure and creating more than 900 direct and indirect jobs.

2025: A Breakthrough Year With Five New Hotel Openings

The year 2025 is a major milestone in Mercan’s growth strategy, marked by the opening of five new hotels, reinforcing the company’s position as the fastest-growing hospitality developer in Portugal.

Key 2025 hotel openings include:

1. Hotel Indigo by IHG
2. The Tribute Portfolio (Marriott)
3. Ocean View Hotel St. André
4. Moxy Alfragide Lisbon (Marriott)
5. Renaissance Porto Lapa – Lapa II expansion

These new openings strengthen Mercan’s multi-brand portfolio and reflect the company’s commitment to premium design, operational excellence, and sustainable development.

Award-Winning Hospitality Performance

Mercan’s hotels continue to earn national and international recognition for guest experience, service quality, and sustainable building standards. According to the company’s awards overview:

• Impact Awards 2023 Winner
• Portugal Travel Awards 2024 by Publituris – multiple hotel nominations
• “Make It Right” Excellence Award 2023 – SÉ Catedral ranked Top 5 worldwide
• World Travel Awards winners (Renaissance Porto Lapa, Sé Catedral Porto)
• Marriott Operational Excellence Awards 2024
• LEED Platinum certification for sustainable development

These awards demonstrate Mercan’s dedication to building Portugal’s most sustainable and high-performing hospitality portfolio.

A Clear Vision: 30 Hotels in Portugal by 2030

Mercan’s growth strategy for the coming years remains bold and forward-focused. As President of Mercan Properties –  Jordi Vilanova stated: “We expect to reach 30 hotels in Portugal by 2030, including the opening of the first Hard Rock Hotel.”

This ambition highlights Mercan’s ongoing commitment to expanding its presence and contributing to the development of Portugal’s premium tourism ecosystem.

Mercan Asia: Strategic Partner of Mercan Group

Founded in 2015, Mercan Asia is the Asia headquarters and Global Investment Center of Mercan Group, supporting Asian and international investors, partners, and institutions. Mercan Asia plays a strategic role in connecting global capital with Mercan’s hospitality and real estate developments in Portugal and Greece, providing market insights, investment coordination, and partner support across the region.

With deep expertise in cross-border investment and hospitality-led real estate, Mercan Asia acts as a bridge between global investors and one of Europe’s leading hotel developers.