The future of hotel investment in Italy took centre stage, with discussions focusing on international capital, new development opportunities and the enhancement of existing assets.
Milan, October 2026 – The first Milan edition of ITHIC – Italian Hospitality Investment Conference has concluded at Quark Hotel Milano, part of the Italian independent hotel group Aries Group. Organised by Teamwork Hospitality, the international event focuses on investment, real estate and development in the hotel sector. Following previous editions in Rimini and Rome, the conference chose Milan for the first time, bringing together 1,547 participants and 170 speakers on 30 September and 1 October.
Two days of meetings and in-depth discussions brought together some of the leading figures in international finance and hospitality, including investors, funds, banks, hotel operators, developers, advisors and major brands. Participating organisations included Bank of America, Pygmalion Capital, Cedar Capital, Limestone Capital, Extendam, Starwood Capital Group, Azora and PGIM, confirming the investment community's strong interest in the development prospects of the Italian market.
The international stage welcomed leading global hospitality CEOs, including Maud Bailly, Céline Vercollier, Gonzalo Aguilar, Christian Clerc, Ron Pohl, Dimitris Manikis, Sara Digiesi, Marloes Knippenberg and Otmar Michaeler. Key figures from the finance and M&A sectors also contributed their expertise, including Linda Nel, Grazi Paineli, Anna Cohen, Gael Lelay, Musie Bocrezian, Ofer Arbib, Kevin Meyer, Giulio Recchia and Carlo Romanò.
Two days of meetings and in-depth discussions brought together some of the leading figures in international finance and hospitality, including investors, funds, banks, hotel operators, developers, advisors and major brands. Participating organisations included Bank of America, Pygmalion Capital, Cedar Capital, Limestone Capital, Extendam, Starwood Capital Group, Azora and PGIM, confirming the investment community's strong interest in the development prospects of the Italian market.
The international stage welcomed leading global hospitality CEOs, including Maud Bailly, Céline Vercollier, Gonzalo Aguilar, Christian Clerc, Ron Pohl, Dimitris Manikis, Sara Digiesi, Marloes Knippenberg and Otmar Michaeler. Key figures from the finance and M&A sectors also contributed their expertise, including Linda Nel, Grazi Paineli, Anna Cohen, Gael Lelay, Musie Bocrezian, Ofer Arbib, Kevin Meyer, Giulio Recchia and Carlo Romanò.
“Hosting the first Milan edition of ITHIC at Quark Hotel was an important opportunity for Aries Group to engage with some of the leading Italian and international figures in hospitality and real estate, following the three previous editions held at Hotel Villa Pamphili in Rome. The presence of more than 1,500 participants confirms ITHIC’s growing importance as a meeting point for the sector and allowed us to put Quark Hotel’s capabilities to the test in hosting a particularly complex and large-scale international event. For us, experiences of this kind are a valuable tool for continuously improving the product, services and organisation of our conference facilities. The topics discussed over the two days, from the refurbishment of existing hotel assets to the evolution of hospitality models, are also closely aligned with the development strategy Aries Group is pursuing across its portfolio,” comments Stefano de Santis, President of Aries Group.
MILAN AT THE CENTRE OF THE HOSPITALITY DEBATE
The decision to make Milan the new host city for ITHIC has further strengthened the city's position as a key hub for business, finance and investment in the hotel sector. Discussions among the participants at ITHIC 2026 highlighted the continued strong interest of international investors in the Italian hospitality market, albeit within an increasingly selective environment. Key topics included the refurbishment and repositioning of existing hotel assets, the identification of new destinations and assets with strong fundamentals, and the evolution of hospitality models, with particular attention to the ability of investments to combine profitability, quality and long-term sustainability.
The discussions also provided a nuanced overview of the performance of the Italian hospitality sector, highlighting differing trends across destinations. While international demand remains particularly strong, domestic demand is showing greater caution. At the same time, September saw positive signs for several operators, suggesting a gradual shift away from the traditional concentration of tourist flows in August. Rising operating costs and the need to maintain high standards of quality remain important challenges for the sector.
MILAN AT THE CENTRE OF THE HOSPITALITY DEBATE
The decision to make Milan the new host city for ITHIC has further strengthened the city's position as a key hub for business, finance and investment in the hotel sector. Discussions among the participants at ITHIC 2026 highlighted the continued strong interest of international investors in the Italian hospitality market, albeit within an increasingly selective environment. Key topics included the refurbishment and repositioning of existing hotel assets, the identification of new destinations and assets with strong fundamentals, and the evolution of hospitality models, with particular attention to the ability of investments to combine profitability, quality and long-term sustainability.
The discussions also provided a nuanced overview of the performance of the Italian hospitality sector, highlighting differing trends across destinations. While international demand remains particularly strong, domestic demand is showing greater caution. At the same time, September saw positive signs for several operators, suggesting a gradual shift away from the traditional concentration of tourist flows in August. Rising operating costs and the need to maintain high standards of quality remain important challenges for the sector.
MORE THAN NETWORKING: NEW OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE SECTOR
The 2026 edition expanded its programme with events dedicated to some of the most significant segments and issues shaping the future of the industry. Alongside sessions on investment and real estate transactions, the programme featured the ITHIC Hotel Chains Awards, Brands for Residential by Questex, the HVS Masterclass on Hotel Valuation and ITHIC NextGen Under35, dedicated to young hospitality professionals.
Particular attention was also given to branded residences, a rapidly evolving segment at the intersection of hospitality, real estate, luxury residential living and major international brands.
With the conclusion of its first Milan edition at Quark Hotel Milano, ITHIC reaffirms its role as a key meeting point for investors and hospitality operators at a time when the Italian market continues to offer opportunities for growth and transformation.
The result was a programme bringing together a wide range of expertise and perspectives, creating an environment in which discussions on market trends translated into new opportunities for networking, dialogue and business development.
The 2026 edition expanded its programme with events dedicated to some of the most significant segments and issues shaping the future of the industry. Alongside sessions on investment and real estate transactions, the programme featured the ITHIC Hotel Chains Awards, Brands for Residential by Questex, the HVS Masterclass on Hotel Valuation and ITHIC NextGen Under35, dedicated to young hospitality professionals.
Particular attention was also given to branded residences, a rapidly evolving segment at the intersection of hospitality, real estate, luxury residential living and major international brands.
With the conclusion of its first Milan edition at Quark Hotel Milano, ITHIC reaffirms its role as a key meeting point for investors and hospitality operators at a time when the Italian market continues to offer opportunities for growth and transformation.
The result was a programme bringing together a wide range of expertise and perspectives, creating an environment in which discussions on market trends translated into new opportunities for networking, dialogue and business development.
