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Category: News

  • Renaissance Porto Lapa Hotel and Sé Catedral Hotel Porto triumph at “Oscars of Tourism”

    The Mercan Group‘s hotels in Portugal, managed by AHM, have been honored in the prestigious World Travel Awards 2024.

    These awards, often dubbed as the “Oscars of tourism,” recently unveiled their winners for the year, recognizing two of Porto’s newest additions: the Renaissance Porto Lapa Hotel as “Portugal’s Leading Business Hotel 2024” and the Sé Catedral Hotel Porto as “Portugal’s Leading Design Hotel 2024.”

    Owned by Mercan Properties and the Mercan Group in Portugal, and overseen by AHM – Ace Hospitality Management, these two establishments were celebrated at a ceremony held yesterday in Berlin, attended by their respective general managers.

    Paulo Pereira, director of the Renaissance Porto Lapa, expressed pride in receiving this recognition less than a year after the hotel’s opening. He sees it as a testament to the dedication of the entire team in establishing the Renaissance Porto Lapa as a premier hotel in the city and the country, offering a blend of 5-star service and authentic experiences.

    Bruno Miranda, director of the Sé Catedral Hotel Porto, views this achievement as validation for the hotel’s distinctive concept, designed to captivate and inspire guests. He believes that the hotel’s philosophy transcends mere decoration, embodying a relaxed, vibrant, and creative atmosphere reflective of Porto itself.

    The Renaissance Porto Lapa, part of the global Marriott Bonvoy portfolio, stands as the only property under this brand in Portugal. Situated in Porto’s historic Lapa neighborhood, the hotel offers 163 elegant rooms and suites, a restaurant, two signature bars, and 544 m2 of flexible event space equipped with state-of-the-art conference technologies.

    Meanwhile, the Sé Catedral Hotel Porto, Tapestry Collection by Hilton, marks the debut of the Tapestry Collection by Hilton brand in Portugal. Positioned in front of the iconic Sé Catedral, the 4-star hotel features 77 uniquely designed rooms, each inspired by diverse global influences, along with a restaurant and bar.

    Established in 1993, the World Travel Awards aim to recognize excellence in the global tourism industry, fostering competitiveness and promoting quality across the sector.

  • Being part of Mercan means embodying a global presence

    As Mercan, we embody a global presence as an innovative leader in investment, development, and hospitality.

    In a dynamic world, we stand at the crossroads of vision and innovation, spearheading advancements in foreign investment, development, and hospitality.

    With over 35 years of expertise in consultancy, education, and immigration through investment, our company thrives on deep market insight. These pillars underpin our success.

    Watch the full video below:

  • Mercan Portugal was awarded the Most Efficient Operation Award at the IFM Summit Lisbon 2024

    Mercan Portugal’s Construction and Development team has once again demonstrated its leadership in innovation and operational excellence by winning the Infraspeak – Most Efficient Operation Award for the second consecutive year at the IFM Summit Lisbon 2024.

    This achievement underscores the pivotal role of technology and innovation in the competitive landscape of hotel operations management. It celebrates the exceptional performance of the Construction and Development teams in asset management, showcasing the effectiveness of employing intelligent, adaptable, and sustainable tools in asset management practices.

    In an era characterized by rapid technological advancements, where challenges for the Project Maintenance paradigm are evolving under the 5.0 technology Era, Infraspeak Portugal emerges as a distinctive platform for maintenance and facility management. It seamlessly integrates teams, projects, software, and hardware, while offering modern automation and optimizing resource allocation. This results in enhanced efficiency and intuitive operations within the hospitality sector.

    This accolade not only sets a new benchmark for efficiency but also reaffirms Mercan Portugal’s leadership position in the construction and development of the hotel industry.

  • Important Update on the Portugal Golden Visa Program!

    The Golden Visa program has recently undergone some changes which end the granting of residence permits based on real estate acquisition. Investors may obtain a permit under the Golden Visa to acquire shares/units in non-real estate collective investment funds.

    Mercan Hospitality Investment Funds:

    • Bridge View Hotel
    • Hard Rock Hotel Phase III
    • Alvor Phase II

    Key Details:
    Investment Amount: 500,000 EUROS to qualify for the golden visa

    Minimum Investment Time: 6 years

    Fund Type: Venture Capital in Hospitality

    Return: Enjoy a fixed 2% return per year

    Total Inv Fund: 140M EUR

    Exclusive Benefits: Receive 7 free nights per year in a double room at any hotel within the fund’s portfolio

    Returns are exempt from taxation in PT, if clients are not tax residents.

    Apply with Mercan Group by contacting us today!


     

  • Portugal drew in €3.5 billion in foreign investment in 2023, marking the highest influx since 2016

    There have been 36 new investment decisions totaling €2.739 billion, resulting in the creation of 6,810 jobs. Among these, 14 projects are industrial in nature. Additionally, there are 12 investment projects from existing companies in Portugal, expected to generate an extra 1,500 jobs. AICEP is currently overseeing 50 PIN applications.

    Last year, AICEP secured a record-breaking €3.5 billion in investments, the highest amount since 2016. Of this sum, over €2.7 billion comes from new Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), encompassing 36 confirmed leads and the creation of 6,810 jobs. Notably, the industrial projects account for 14 of these, generating 3,555 new positions. The remaining 3,255 jobs pertain to service centers.

    Additionally, reinvestment projects by foreign and domestic companies contribute over €719 million to the total, promising an additional 1,526 jobs.

  • Portugal is the Hottest Destination for Expatriates

    Portugal stands out as an ideal destination for immigration, boasting safety, affordability, and a warm welcome. As we step into the new year filled with ambitious goals and dreams, we’ve compiled a comprehensive guide for those aspiring to live or invest abroad.

    Beyond the allure of custard pies and sun-kissed beaches, Portugal, a European gem, attracts expats with its affordability, safety, and year-round sunshine. The surge in remote work, coupled with new visa programs and enticing tax incentives, makes the prospect of international relocation more inviting than ever for digital nomads, investors, and families.

    While this opportunity is primarily available to those with the right passports, Portuguese citizens enjoy the privilege of holding one of the world’s most powerful passports. Selecting a new country as your home is a significant decision, necessitating thorough research and planning. Here are some tips to enhance your exploration:

    Key Resources for Potential Expatriates

    Expat Insider Survey by InterNations:

    Conducted annually for a decade, this survey reflects the perspectives of around 12,000 expatriates from 177 nationalities across 181 countries. It evaluates expatriate satisfaction based on factors such as quality of life, ease of settling in, working abroad, personal finances, housing, and language.

    Live and Invest Overseas:
    This resource, tailored for retirees, issues an annual index ranking the top retirement destinations abroad. The 2024 index highlights Valência, Spain, Braga, Portugal, and Mazatlán, Mexico.

    What Makes Portugal Truly Appealing?

    Portugal remains a top choice for its economic accessibility, quality of life, mild climate, and excellent healthcare system. The cost of living is notably lower than in most European countries, standing at 35.5% below that of the United States, according to Numbeo, the world’s largest quality of life database. Additionally, Portugal secures its position as the seventh safest country globally.

    As the world becomes more interconnected, the dream of settling in a welcoming country like Portugal is within reach for those embarking on this life-changing journey. Low living costs? Check. Top-notch healthcare? Yes! With historical charm and a vibrant expatriate community, Portugal offers the complete recipe for your new home away from home.

  • Modification to the Portuguese Citizenship Law

    We wish to notify you that, on January 26th, after the parliamentary approval of the decree amending the citizenship law, the President of the Republic requested a precautionary review of the constitutionality of said decree.

    The President’s request specifically pertains to Article 6 of the decree, which is associated with pending cases related to the acquisition of nationality by descendants of Portuguese Sephardic Jews. In light of this, it has been decided that a connection to the Portuguese community must be established in the application process for pending cases. Applicants are required to demonstrate proof of real estate in Portugal, frequent travels to Portugal, or possession of residence permits valid for at least one year.

    Considering the current situation involving Israel and Palestine, the President believes that introducing additional obstacles to the granting of Portuguese citizenship may be viewed as an infringement upon the principle of human dignity, as articulated in Article 1 of the Portuguese Constitution, and potentially as a violation of the right to life, safeguarded by Article 24 of the Portuguese Constitution.

    It’s crucial to note that this article is not directly or indirectly linked to the proposed amendments aiming to expedite the counting of the five-year deadline for legal residence periods, especially for Golden Visa holders. Consequently, the Constitutional Court’s analysis is not expected to impact that particular provision.

    The Constitutional Court now has a period of 25 days to determine the (un)constitutionality of the mentioned article in the decree. If the Constitutional Court deems the article to be in violation of the Portuguese Constitution, the President is obliged to veto it, and the decree will be returned to Parliament for revisions. Should the article be found to comply with the Constitution, the President can either issue a political veto (which is deemed unlikely) or proceed with the publication of the decree.

    We will ensure to keep you updated on any pertinent developments related to this matter.

  • Introducing Mercare: Mercan’s Premier Live-in Nanny and Caregiver Service

    Today, we are thrilled to announce the official launch of Mercare – a groundbreaking program aimed at revolutionizing live-in nanny and caregiver services in Canada.

    In the realm of immigration and support services, Mercan Group has long been recognized for its commitment to excellence and dedication to facilitating a seamless transition for individuals and families.

    Mercan Group, with its 34 years of expertise in immigration solutions, has become a trusted name for families seeking reliable support in their journey to Canada. Now, with Mercare, the company extends its dedication to providing top-notch services by introducing a tailored solution for Canadian families in need of professional and compassionate caregivers.

    Mercare is more than just a service; it’s a commitment to enhancing the quality of life for families across Canada. Our program connects families with qualified and experienced live-in nannies and caregivers, ensuring a harmonious match that meets both the family’s needs and the caregiver’s expertise.

    For Canadian families navigating the challenge of finding the right caregiver, Mercare stands out as the second-to-none choice. With Mercan Group’s reputation for excellence and the introduction of Mercare, families can now access a reliable and comprehensive solution for their live-in nanny and caregiver needs.

    Explore the possibilities today with Mercare – where compassionate care meets unmatched professionalism!

  • Mercan Group to Invest 450M Euros in 8 New Lisbon & Algarve Hotels

    In an anticipated move, Mercan Group disclosed plans to commence construction this year on multiple hotel projects, including Portugal’s inaugural Hard Rock Hotel, set to grace Vau Beach. The Canadian conglomerate will inaugurate three hotels this year, solidifying their commitment to the country.

    Miguel Gomes, Mercan Properties’ Construction and Development General Manager, indicated that construction for these hotels, constituting 1,400 rooms in total, will initiate in 2024. Acknowledging the challenges inherent in predicting the exact start date due to licensing procedures, Gomes affirmed the group’s leadership in Portugal’s real estate landscape.

    While exact locations for the eight upcoming hotels remain undisclosed, the Hard Rock Hotel at Vau Beach, Portimão, is one confirmed project. Expected to open in 2026, this flagship hotel will generate 400 job opportunities and showcase 452 luxurious rooms and suites. Boasting direct beach access, the hotel will offer an array of amenities, including a Kids Club, multiple restaurants and bars, outdoor pools, a Rock Spa, a gym, a Rock Shop, sports facilities, and a beach club. Additionally, the Hard Rock Hotel Algarve will provide a conference room.

    Before 2024 summer, Mercan Properties will inaugurate three hotels, representing an investment of around €54.6 million. These include Holiday Inn Express Porto-Boavista, featuring 91 rooms with a €21 million investment, Holiday Inn Express Évora – Mercan’s second unit in the city – with 76 rooms and an investment of €16.8 million, and Holiday Inn Beja, comprising 95 rooms with a similar investment of €16.8 million. These hotels will fall under the management of AHM – Ace Hospitality Management, a subsidiary of the Mercan Group.

    Upon completion of these projects, Mercan Properties, which has entered Portugal since 2015, will possess a portfolio of 30 hotels spread across various Portuguese locations. These encompass Porto, Vila Nova de Gaia, Matosinhos, Lisbon, Amarante, Santiago do Cacém, Évora, Beja, Algarve, and Madeira Island. Beyond Portugal, the Canadian Mercan Group maintains a global presence in China, India, the United Arab Emirates, and the United States of America.

  • Mercan Group Wishes You a Merry Christmas and Joyous Holidays

    As the year draws to a close, Mercan Group pauses to reflect on a truly remarkable journey throughout 2023. We extend our deepest gratitude to every client and every individual who has contributed to our growth and success. Your unwavering support and trust have been the cornerstone of our achievements.

    2023 has been a year of meaningful partnerships, breakthroughs, and significant milestones. We are profoundly thankful for the opportunities to collaborate, innovate, and create value together. Each experience has strengthened our resolve to continuously elevate the quality of service we provide.

    Looking ahead to 2024, we are excited about the prospects it holds. Our commitment to excellence remains steadfast, and we are devoted to exceeding expectations by delivering exceptional services and solutions. The beginning of the new year will mark the introduction of exciting new projects, showcasing our dedication to constant improvement and innovation.

    As the holiday season approaches, we extend our warmest wishes for a Merry Christmas and a joyous New Year. May this festive season be filled with moments of love, joy, and togetherness for you and your loved ones.

    We sincerely thank you for being a part of our journey and eagerly anticipate continuing to serve you with utmost dedication and sincerity in the upcoming year. Here’s to a prosperous and fulfilling 2024 filled with new opportunities and successes!