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Category: Investment

  • Hilton partners with Mercan to open more hotels in Portugal

    Hilton Expands in Portugal with Mercan Group Partnership

    Hilton is rapidly expanding its presence in Portugal, aiming to double its portfolio from 12 to 24 hotels within the next two years. This growth will add over 2,000 rooms, reflecting the increasing tourism demand in the country, especially in Lisbon.

    David Kelly, Hilton’s Senior Vice President for Continental Europe, emphasized the importance of Portugal in Hilton’s expansion plans. He noted that Hilton had only two hotels in the country a decade ago. By 2026, this number will reach 24.

    New Hotels in Key Locations

    Hilton plans to open new hotels in Lisbon, the Algarve, and the south of Comporta in 2025 and 2026. One of the highlights is the Santo André Beach Hotel in Comporta, which will be the first international hotel brand in the region. This hotel, featuring 44 rooms under the Tapestry Collection by Hilton, is the result of a franchise agreement with the Mercan Group. Kelly described it as a fantastic hotel facing the beach, perfectly blending with the surrounding nature.

    Carlos Miró, Hilton’s General Director of Development for Spain and Portugal, mentioned that the Santo André Beach Hotel is generating significant interest within Hilton’s teams.

    Hilton also partnered with the Mercan Group to open a new hotel in Lisbon near the airport. The DoubleTree by Hilton Lisbon Airport, with 199 rooms and 20 suites, is set to open in 2025.

    Expanding in the Algarve

    In the Algarve, Hilton is expanding its resort portfolio with five hotels in the near future. This includes projects in Alvor and near Lagos Marina under the Curio Collection by Hilton brand. Kelly highlighted the rapid growth in Hilton’s resort portfolio, with plans to open 10 hotels in southern Europe in 2024.

    Global Expansion

    Globally, Hilton is in the midst of an unprecedented expansion phase, opening a hotel every day. With 7,626 hotels worldwide and plans to add 3,375 more, the company is on track to increase its room count by 472,000. Strong financial performance, including $268 million in earnings in the first quarter of 2024, is driving these ambitious plans.

    Future Growth in Europe

    In Europe, Hilton plans to open 245 hotels, with Kelly anticipating strong growth in 2024, especially with major events like the football championship in Germany and the Olympics in Paris.

    Hilton currently employs 800 people in Portugal and sees tremendous opportunity for continued growth in the country. Kelly affirmed Hilton’s commitment to expanding its portfolio, capitalizing on the booming tourism industry in Portugal.

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  • Portugal Investment Fund: A New Era of Opportunities

    On June 19th, 2024, Mercan Group, in collaboration with the Portuguese Chamber of Commerce, launched the inaugural event of the new Portugal Investor Forum series in central London, UK.

    These exclusive, invitation-only gatherings are specifically designed for private client professionals who advise family offices and high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) on global business investments and tax affairs. The event featured a comprehensive exploration of the legal aspects of Portugal’s Golden Visa program and the available investment fund options.

    The Forum delves into various aspects of investing in Portugal, with each event crafted to provide detailed insights into profitable investment opportunities and to enhance economic ties between the UK and Portugal.

    Topics at the Forum include lesser-known facets of Portugal’s tax system that facilitate international tax planning, a broad array of investment funds that pave the way to Portugal’s renowned Golden Visa ‘residency by investment’ program, and expert advice for UK-based ‘non-doms’ on why they should consider Portugal for their future plans.

    What’s Next?

    The next Portugal Investor Forum will be held in central London in September 2024. Future forums will offer attendees opportunities to:

    Gain valuable insights into the financial landscape of the Portuguese market, highlighting its intrinsic value and numerous investment opportunities.

    Explore various investment sectors in Portugal, including venture capital, real estate, private equity, and hedge funds.

    Stay informed about the latest investment trends and learn why Portugal is an ideal location for investment.

    The Portugal Investor Forum events are closely aligned with the Chamber’s well-known “Moving to Portugal” Shows and Seminars, which regularly take place in the UK and Ireland. These events introduce UK buyers to Portugal’s diverse property market and provide essential advice on relocation, tax, finance, and visas.

  • Mercan Group’s Landmark Seminar in London: Elevating Portugal’s Tourism and Hospitality

    On June 19th, Mercan Group, in collaboration with the Portuguese Chamber of Commerce in the UK and IAS, hosted its first special seminar in London! 🎉

    The event showcased Mercan Group’s significant contributions to Portugal’s tourism and hospitality sectors, attracting a diverse audience of partners and business leaders.

    Jordi Vilanova, President of Mercan Portugal, led the seminar, highlighting Mercan’s impact on these sectors and its collaboration with internationally awarded brands that have elevated Portugal’s global tourism appeal.

    The seminar also unveiled Mercan Group’s future strategies, including the Investment Fund Program, aimed at fostering sustainable growth and innovation in Portugal’s hospitality sector. 

    Stay tuned for more updates on our journey to drive investment and development in Portugal!

  • Funding Your Golden Visa in Portugal with Mercan Group and IAS

    A Trusted Partnership for Your European Gateway

    In today’s dynamic global landscape of investment and immigration, Mercan Group and IAS are forging a pioneering path for investors pursuing residency in Portugal through the Golden Visa (GV) program. This strategic alliance merges Mercan Group’ extensive experience in hospitality investments with IAS’s legal proficiency, presenting an innovative alternative funding avenue that makes European residency more attainable than ever before.

    Mercan Group: A Legacy of Excellence and Innovation

    Established in Canada in 1989, Mercan Group has emerged as a leader in consultancy, education, and immigration through investment. With over three decades of expertise, Mercan Group has chosen Portugal as its European headquarters since 2015, drawn by the nation’s security, stability, and vibrant prospects in urban revitalization for tourism.

    Mercan’s dedication to Portugal is palpable through its €1.2 billion investment across 31 hospitality projects nationwide. These initiatives not only stimulate economic growth and job creation but also significantly bolster the tourism sector, perfectly aligning with the objectives of the Golden Visa program.

    Golden Visa Program: Your Gateway to European Residency

    The Portuguese Golden Visa program remains a premier choice for international investors seeking residency within the European Union. Despite recent legislative adjustments that have refined the program, it continues to offer compelling opportunities, particularly through investment funds.

    To qualify for the Golden Visa, investors must meet three essential criteria:

    • Spend a minimum of seven days annually in Portugal.
    • Maintain a clean criminal record.
    • Fulfill the required investment, starting from €250,000 for donations and €500,000 for investment funds.

    The Portuguese passport extends numerous advantages, including visa-free access to over 185 countries, facilitating global mobility. It grants rights to reside, work, and study in any of the 27 European Union nations, offering diverse avenues for personal and professional advancement. Moreover, it provides access to Portugal’s renowned healthcare and education systems, celebrated for their excellence and affordability. Additionally, Portuguese citizenship can be passed down to family members, ensuring future generations enjoy these privileges. Expatriates benefit from favorable tax conditions, notably the Non-Habitual Resident (NHR) regime, offering substantial tax incentives for the initial decade of residency. Portugal’s political and economic stability, safety, and high living standards further enhance its appeal.

    Furthermore, the transition to the new Immigration and Borders Service (AIMA) promises streamlined application processing. AIMA’s expansion of its workforce and collaboration with legal experts underscore its commitment to efficiency and accessibility.

    Introducing the Mercan Fund: A Pathway to Investment

    The Mercan Fund represents a tailored private equity investment vehicle crafted to align seamlessly with the Portuguese Golden Visa program. Focused on low-risk opportunities within Portugal’s hospitality sector, this fund offers investors a diversified portfolio comprising hotel projects. With a minimum investment of €500,000, the Mercan Fund not only ensures stable returns but also features a buyback option for added security, making it an astute choice for discerning investors.

    Innovative Funding Solutions: Leveraging Retirement Funds for Your Golden Visa

    In partnership with IAS, Mercan Group proudly introduces an innovative solution for US investors: leveraging retirement funds, such as IRAs and 401(k)s, to finance their Golden Visa investment. This pioneering approach diversifies investors’ portfolios and provides a tax-efficient pathway to residency within the European Union.

    By utilizing retirement funds, investors secure Portuguese residency without disrupting their savings strategy, ensuring both financial growth and personal security. This method opens new avenues for US investors to capitalize on Portugal’s favorable conditions and the manifold benefits of the Golden Visa program.

    The collaboration between Mercan Group and IAS represents a significant advancement in the Golden Visa landscape. By offering innovative funding solutions and leveraging their combined expertise, they provide a streamlined, secure, and efficient pathway to European residency.

    Don’t miss this opportunity to diversify your investment portfolio and secure a foothold in Europe. Take the next step in your Portuguese residency journey today with Mercan and IAS and unlock the myriad benefits of the Golden Visa program.

    Contact Us

    For more information, please visit our websites or contact our expert team today. Your European dream is within reach—let us help you make it a reality!

  • Golden Visa 2024: where to get the best one

    For those with enough money, purchasing residency in another country becomes possible. Several countries offer “golden visas,” and some even provide full citizenship through “golden passports.” The cost varies significantly; some visas cater exclusively to the wealthy, while others come at more affordable rates.

    What’s a golden visa?

    Often called a “residence by investment program,” a golden visa allows individuals to obtain temporary or permanent residency in a country, enabling them to live and work there. In some cases, buyers don’t even need to reside full-time in the country, making these visas a practical backup plan for those who want the option of traveling to these places without the intention of permanent relocation.

    Are golden visas new? Why are they popular?

    Some programs have existed for decades, providing a way for governments to raise funds and encourage foreign investment. For example, during the European debt crisis, golden visas gained popularity as several countries began selling residency to attract foreign money and address budget deficits. Countries like Portugal, Ireland, Greece, and Hungary adopted these programs after receiving bailouts from the European Union and International Monetary Fund.

    For instance, Portugal started offering golden visas in 2012 to non-EU nationals willing to invest at least €500,000 ($537,000) in property, a fund, or a company that creates jobs. Later, they reduced the property investment requirement to €350,000. In 2013, Greece, Spain, and Hungary launched their own golden visa programs, offering residence permits in exchange for real estate investments. These programs also grant the right to travel freely across many EU countries.

    How hard is it to get a golden visa now?

    While in Portugal, purchasing residential real estate no longer qualifies for a golden visa, some options remain. Investors can still qualify by investing in a qualified investment fund worth at least €500,000, participating in scientific research activities, or investing in the share capital of a company that creates five jobs or maintains ten jobs.

    Additionally, in March, Greece announced plans to increase the minimum investment amount for foreign property buyers to secure a golden visa to €400,000, thus remaining an option for those who can meet the higher threshold.

    Meanwhile, the cost of obtaining citizenship-by-investment is rising in the Caribbean, where such programs constitute more than half the national revenue for some small island nations. Some Caribbean passports allow visa-free travel to the UK and EU through bilateral agreements, which raises concerns among European regulators that these schemes might serve as a gateway for criminals. Consequently, European governments are pressuring Caribbean nations to restrict these programs.

  • Mercan Hotels Nominated for the 2024 Publituris Travel Awards

    We are excited to announce that Mercan Hotels has received prestigious nominations for the Publituris Travel Awards 2024!

    The Renaissance Porto Lapa Hotel competes for ‘Best City Hotel’.  The Arts Hotel Porto, Tapestry Collection by Hilton, runs for ‘Best 4-Star Hotel’. At the same time,  the Hilton Garden Inn Évora also vies for ‘Best City Hotel.’

    These nominations, part of 22 award categories starting May 27th, reflect our relentless pursuit of excellence and dedication to creating memorable experiences for our guests. This recognition underscores our commitment to excellence and highlights our dedication to providing outstanding city experiences.

  • Mercan Group Shines at Spear’s 500 Event

    Mercan Group joins the prestigious Spear’s 500, an event that has become a must-attend for the ultra-high-net-worth (UHNW) community.
     
    Spear’s is a multi-award-winning global wealth, business, and culture media brand, known for its insightful magazine that caters to UHNW individuals. Spear’s 500 events, particularly the one held in London, attract high-net-worth individuals and industry leaders from around the world to explore elite investment opportunities. These events are celebrated for their exclusive atmosphere, unparalleled networking opportunities, and deep insights into the latest trends in wealth management and investment.
     
    At this year’s Spear’s 500 event in London, Mercan Group participated as a key player, further enhancing the event’s prestige. The event brought together HNW individuals and industry leaders to discuss top-tier investment opportunities, focusing on the latest trends in global wealth management.
     
    Mercan Group used this platform to reaffirm its status as a leader in global investment and development within Portugal’s hospitality sector through its investment funds. The event featured stops in key financial hubs, offering in-depth insights into their investment and management practices. Financial advisers and service providers from various interrelated fields gathered, providing private client professionals with a comprehensive overview of current focus areas for UHNWIs.
     
    Panel discussions at the event were particularly insightful, addressing the main concerns and interests of UHNWIs. Since its launch in 2006, Spear’s has established itself as Europe’s leading authority on wealth management and a respected voice on arts, business, and lifestyle. By using events, awards, and research-based products and services, Spear’s connects financial and luxury brands with an exclusive audience. Mercan Group’s participation in this event underscores its influence and commitment to leading the investment and hospitality sectors in Portugal.

  •  Celebrating 35 Years of Global Excellence with Mercan Group! 

    2024 marks a monumental milestone for Mercan Group as we proudly celebrate 35 years of dedicated service and global impact!
     
    Since our humble beginnings in Montreal, Canada, over three decades ago, Mercan Group has expanded its reach far and wide, establishing a formidable presence in over 30 countries across the globe. From Canada to Portugal, the Philippines to China, Vietnam to the United Arab Emirates, and beyond, our journey has been remarkable.
     
    Over the years, Mercan Group has been at the forefront of facilitating investments, recruitment, and immigration services, helping individuals and families achieve their dreams of international mobility and prosperity.
     
    Until now, Mercan Group has helped more than 60,000 individuals of various origins settle worldwide. We’ve helped over 20,000 foreign workers come to Canada, the USA, the Middle East, and the Caribbean Islands.

     

     Some of our flagship projects include the prestigious Portugal Golden Visa Program, the Canadian Start-Up Visa Program, and our new Nanny and Caregiver Program. Additionally, we’ll be launching the Greece Golden Visa very soon!

     

    These initiatives, alongside various Canadian immigration programs, stand as a testament to our unwavering dedication to fostering growth, diversity, and opportunity on a global scale.

     
    As we reflect on our journey thus far, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to our loyal followers, esteemed clients, and dedicated team members who have been instrumental in our success.
     
    Your trust and support fuel our drive to soar higher, and we pledge to deliver even more exceptional services in the future. Our steadfast dedication to excellence and integrity remains resolute as we serve our cherished clients and partners with unwavering dedication and fervor.
     
    Here’s to 35 years of excellence, innovation, and global impact with Mercan Group!
     
    The journey continues, and we are excited about the future. Stay tuned for more exciting updates and announcements as we embark on the next chapter of our remarkable journey！
     

  • Mercan Group: Spearheading Global Investment Roadshows

    Being a trailblazer in the investment landscape, Mercan Group has consistently demonstrated its commitment to international collaboration and strengthening its leadership position.

    In a remarkable demonstration of global synergy and the establishment of robust connections worldwide, Mercan Group continues to showcase its leadership and dedication to the investment and hospitality sectors through active participation in prominent international roadshow events. This includes this year’s REX Conference in Mumbai, InvestPro Azerbaijan in Baku, and the Bosco Conference in Istanbul.

    Catarina SImão, Sales & Business Development, at InvestPro Turkiye Istanbul 2024 
    Kristina Lapshina – Business Development Manager & Kateryna Ilechko – Lawyer at InvestPro Azerbaijan 2024
    Teresa Archer – Sales & Business Development Manager and Diana Ribeiro – Lawyer at IREX Conference Mumbai 2024

    These events serve as ideal platforms for showcasing Mercan Group’s robust investment strategies and reaffirming its status as a leader in global investment trends. They also highlight Portugal as a premier destination for investment and lifestyle. By engaging with global markets at these conferences, Mercan Group further expands its influence and operational reach, particularly in Portugal, where it is acknowledged as a center of innovation and expertise in the investment realm.

    These appearances not only emphasize Mercan Group’s dedication to international partnerships but also underscore its role in promoting economic and investment opportunities in Portugal and beyond.

  • Congratulations to the Renaissance Porto Lapa Hotel on its first anniversary!

    April marked several anniversaries for Mercan Portugal, and today we commemorate the inaugural year of operations at the Renaissance Porto Lapa Hotel.

    Situated in the heart of Porto, the Renaissance Porto Lapa Hotel stands as a beacon of sustainability and innovative design, marking its first anniversary. As a proud addition to Mercan Portugal’s portfolio, this project has revitalized a previously neglected area into a remarkable hotel, paving the way for the city’s inaugural green park in the city center.

    This milestone underscores our commitment to blending upscale hospitality with environmental stewardship. However, the Renaissance Porto Lapa surpasses mere standards. It serves as a hallmark of contemporary design and opulent living, enriching the guest experience in Porto’s vibrant Lapa neighborhood, while also setting new benchmarks for eco-conscious urban living. The forthcoming green park adjacent to the hotel will further contribute to biodiversity, enhancing the city’s allure and ambiance.

    As we celebrate this milestone, we reaffirm our dedication to nurturing Porto’s hospitality sector and economic prosperity, and our unwavering commitment to sustainable, eco-friendly tourism, ensuring a future where both flourish harmoniously.

    We express our sincere gratitude to our esteemed guests, dedicated team members, and the Porto community for embracing the Renaissance Porto Lapa Hotel with open arms!