The global hotel industry: the battle of the giants intensifies

The latest global ranking of hotel groups, published by MKG Consulting, reveals that the race for size is still going strong. In 2024, a new member entered the very closed circle of groups with more than one million rooms worldwide: H World Group, which climbed to 4th place in the ranking.

Marriott Hotel in Disneyland

Marriott maintains its global leadership

With 1,683,204 rooms (+6.9%), Marriott International remains by far the world's leading hotel group. Present in 144 countries and territories, the American giant continues to grow at a sustained rate, thanks in particular to the integration of Hoteles City Express, renamed City Express by Marriott, which has enabled it to establish a firmer foothold in the affordable budget segment.

Jin Jiang and Hilton complete the podium

Hilton Paddington in London

Jin Jiang, parent company of Radisson Hotel Group, maintains its 2nd place with 1,439,756 rooms (+7.7%), ahead of Hilton Worldwide which remains 3rd with 1,249,814 rooms (+7.1%). Both groups continue to leverage both organic growth and strategic acquisitions to strengthen their global presence.

H World on the rise

H World Hotel

But it is the H World Group  (formerly Huazhu) that has seen the biggest increase among the major players: +20.3%, to 1,014,343 rooms, taking it above the million mark for the first time. The Chinese group - owner of the Deutsche Hospitality brand (formerly Steigenberger) - plans to open a further 2,300 hotels by 2025, confirming its ambitious expansion strategy.

Oyo explodes, Best Western declines

Another remarkable rise was that of the Indian group Oyo, which jumped 38.7% to 597,873 rooms, moving up one place to 9th place in the world. Conversely, Best Western closed the ranking with 335,405 rooms, posting the only decline of the year: -2.1%.

Oyo Hotel Reception in Djakarta

An expansion that also raises economic questions

Behind this spectacular growth, several major economic issues are emerging. By multiplying their operations around the world, groups are seeking to spread their geographical risks and ensure a uniform presence in markets with potential (India, Middle East, South-East Asia, Africa). But this logic of massive expansion may generate structural overcapacity in certain regions, especially if demand does not keep pace. This situation is likely to force operators to review their business models, refine their brand strategy and optimise their operational management. All the more so as inflation in construction costs, pressure on human resources and the volatility of tourist demand linked to international crises are undermining the economic equilibrium of projects.

RANK GROUP NATIONALITY NUMBER OF ROOMS EVOLUTION

Hotel Groups ranking, 2024 (MKG Consulting)

The global hotel industry: the battle of the giants intensifies, but the dynamic remains to be seen

The global hotel industry: the battle of the giants intensifies... The 2024 ranking of hotel groups confirms an acceleration in global concentration, with increasingly aggressive expansion strategies. While size remains a key competitive lever, it also poses new challenges: balancing supply and demand, managing resources and adapting to local markets. Against a backdrop of economic tensions and the transformation of global tourism, the leaders in the hospitality industry will need to combine volume and resilience, while retaining their operational agility in the face of uncertainty.

EA Pro Nantes International Media Relations