Mercan Properties: “By 2030, We Expect to Reach 30 Hotels in Portugal”

Source: Ambitur

Jordi Vilanova, President of Mercan Properties, and Mariano Faz, CEO of AHM – Ace Hospitality Management, spoke with Ambitur to explain how the group positions itself in Portugal’s hotel market.

Ambitur wanted to better understand Mercan Properties’ strategy in Portugal, following the recent inauguration of Moxy Alfragide, the group’s 15th hotel. Jordi Vilanova, President of Mercan Properties, and Mariano Faz, CEO of AHM – Ace Hospitality Management, sat down with us to share how the group is positioning itself in the national market.

Can we start with a brief introduction to Mercan Properties and its strategy in Portugal?

Jordi Vilanova (JV): Mercan Properties is part of the Canadian Mercan Group, one of the first in Canada to develop activity related to the “Canadian Immigrant Investor Program.” Founded in 1989 by Jerry Morgan, a visionary in the field of investment immigration, the group has established itself over the decades as a global leader in consulting, education, and immigration, with a presence in more than 30 countries and offices in Canada, Vietnam, China, the United Arab Emirates, Portugal, and Greece.

In Portugal, Mercan Properties operates mainly in the hotel sector, developing projects that combine foreign investment with the sustainable growth of national tourism. As President, I can say that we position ourselves as a true benchmark in the design and execution of high-quality hospitality projects, contributing to job creation and the strengthening of Portugal’s tourism sector.

What factors led the group to invest so strongly in the Portuguese market?

JV: When Jerry Morgan and I began analyzing the European landscape in detail, particularly opportunities for sustainable growth and investment, we quickly realized that Portugal stood out as the ideal destination. Not only for its quality of life but also for its economic stability, which, in our view, created very favorable conditions for investing in the country.

Thus, in 2015, we founded Mercan Properties in Portugal. From the beginning, we focused our activity on urban rehabilitation for the hotel sector, always counting on the support and trust of our partners and investors.

Today, we are leaders in investment opportunities linked to the ARI program, creating projects with real value for local communities and contributing to Portugal’s economic development, further enhancing the country’s prestige through high-quality hotel projects.

How has Mercan Properties’ presence in Portugal evolved in recent years?

JV: Mercan Properties began operations in Portugal exactly 10 years ago. In 2015, we launched our first hotel in Porto — Casa da Companhia, Vignette Collection by IHG. This was a symbolic project, not only because it was our first, but also due to the historical importance of the building that houses it. Located in the heart of Porto, the construction dates back to the 18th century and was originally the headquarters of Real Companhia Velha, one of the most prestigious trading institutions of the time, dedicated to the Port wine trade. It truly reflects the history and heritage of the city.

Today, a decade later, our growth is undeniable. From a single hotel, we now have 15 — or 16 if we include the extension of the Renaissance Porto Lapa Hotel completed this year.

As I mentioned, we started in Porto and gradually expanded our presence throughout the country. Today, we have hotels in almost every region of Portugal — from Porto to the Algarve, including Gaia, Lisbon, Évora, Beja, and more recently, the Alentejo coast. This journey represents an investment of over €1.2 billion, supported by the trust of more than 4,100 investors, and has already resulted in the creation of more than 900 direct and indirect jobs.

One of our greatest strengths is that we are an integrated developer — we closely follow all stages of project development, from investment to construction and, later, to operational management.

This successful model is ensured by a highly qualified and diverse team. From engineers to consultants and experts in legal and financial areas, everyone works diligently to ensure our projects meet the highest quality standards.

It is precisely this capability and dedication that allow us to partner with the most prestigious international hotel brands, such as Hilton, Marriott, Wyndham, IHG, Accor, and Hard Rock. Working with these key players reinforces investor and guest confidence. The fact that we collaborate with such diverse brands and maintain a varied portfolio makes us the only multi-brand developer in Portugal’s hotel sector.

Looking back over these 10 years of achievements, the dedication of our team, and the tireless support of our partners, we renew our commitment to keep growing and celebrating new milestones — including the opening of the first Hard Rock Hotel in Portugal, which is currently under development.

How many projects does Mercan Properties currently have in operation or development in Portugal?

JV: As mentioned, we currently have 15 hotels operating in Portugal. That number would be 16 if we included the Renaissance Porto Lapa Hotel extension, which this year added 78 rooms, a spa, a gym, and an indoor pool. By 2030, we expect to reach 30 hotels — two of them in the Lisbon region, where we’ve just opened our first, Moxy Alfragide Lisboa.

Beyond the capital, we plan to open hotels in Porto, the Algarve region — specifically in Lagos, Portimão, and Faro — and also in Funchal, on Madeira Island.

How do you define your criteria for selecting locations and hotel concepts?

JV: The selection of locations is always a strategic and careful process. We evaluate each region’s urban and tourism potential, cultural richness, and, above all, how the project can contribute meaningfully to local development.

From north to south, we look for regions with a distinct identity, capable of offering unique experiences that our hotels can complement and enhance. Our project development team constantly identifies new opportunities that promote sustainable and authentic tourism — whether leisure or business-oriented.

For us, leaving a mark means creating a positive legacy. We want each project to represent an urban and architectural asset, reflected in the quality of construction, design, and its contribution to local economies through job creation and community strengthening.

Our medium- and long-term ambition is to continue being recognized as an agent of positive transformation, combining economic, social, and environmental development with a sustainable and distinctive urban vision.

How do you balance tourism growth with sustainability and local integration?

JV: Sustainability is an essential pillar in the design and development of our projects. In every property, we seek to balance tourism growth with responsible practices, incorporating energy efficiency solutions, sustainable construction, and landscape integration that respect and enhance the surrounding environment. We believe the future of hospitality and real estate depends on the ability to generate a positive impact on communities and promote authentic, responsible tourism.

A clear example of this vision is the Renaissance Porto Lapa Hotel, inaugurated in 2023, which obtained the LEED Platinum certification — the highest international recognition for sustainable building. Beyond its environmental performance, the project played a crucial role in revitalizing Porto’s Lapa district by transforming 17,000 square meters of degraded land into Parque Urbano Dr. Mário Soares — a green space that restored ecosystems, improved local quality of life, and strengthened the connection between the hotel and the community.

With a clear sustainability-oriented strategy, we are working to build Portugal’s most sustainable hotel portfolio, with the largest number of assets certified by international entities such as LEED and BREEAM. This commitment goes beyond the environmental dimension, reflecting also in architectural and cultural integration, respect for local identity, and the promotion of tourism that contributes to regional economic and social development.

For us, sustainable growth means uniting innovation, responsibility, and authenticity — ensuring that each project adds real value to the territory, preserves its character, and creates a positive impact for the future.

Are there plans for diversification beyond the hotel sector?

JV: In addition to our focus on hotel development, we are committed to strengthening institutional and community partnerships, promoting local talent and skills, and enhancing Portugal’s positioning as a premium tourism destination. We believe our role goes far beyond building hotels — we aim to actively contribute to the country’s transformation.

With this vision, we take on the responsibility of being a strategic partner in the sustainable growth of national tourism, helping consolidate Portugal as a global reference in the hotel sector.

Our goal is to continue growing steadily and distinctively, maintaining our focus on quality, sustainability, and shared value creation. This path is only possible thanks to the trust and collaboration of our investors and partners, who have been instrumental to Mercan Properties’ success and expansion in Portugal.

What role do local partnerships play in the realization of your projects?

Mariano Faz (MF): Local partnerships are absolutely fundamental. Maintaining a strong relationship with City Halls, architects, and various local operators is essential — both during the development and construction phases of a hotel, and, in our case, during the management phase. Our activity requires continuous, long-term collaboration, so working closely with the local community — both governmental and non-governmental institutions — is crucial for each project’s success and sustainability.

What is the strategic importance of Moxy Alfragide Lisboa within your portfolio?

MF: Moxy Alfragide Lisboa holds fundamental strategic importance within our portfolio. It is the first hotel we manage in Lisbon and represents a milestone in our national expansion. Moreover, its modern character and cutting-edge design reinforce the image of innovation and quality we aim to convey as a group. This project marks our entry into the Lisbon market, helping consolidate our presence across the country.

What sets this new hotel apart in Lisbon’s hotel scene?

MF: Moxy Alfragide Lisboa stands out, first and foremost, for its location — it’s in an emerging area with strong demand and a strategic position in the Lisbon metropolitan area. Additionally, the hotel offers a different concept: modern, functional, and with a very distinct identity.

The Moxy brand, supported by Marriott, brings a fresh and relaxed concept designed for both urban travelers and corporate clients seeking an inspiring environment. This approach helps energize the area’s hospitality offering and strengthen its appeal within Lisbon.

What target audience do you aim to attract with Moxy Alfragide?

MF: The hotel was designed to attract a range of audiences. On one hand, the urban traveler and tourist seeking to experience Lisbon in a modern, dynamic way. On the other hand, the corporate client, who will find in Moxy Alfragide Lisboa a functional space to work, hold meetings, and stay comfortably.

The hotel includes meeting rooms in a relaxed environment and will soon open a restaurant offering an innovative culinary concept that we expect to become a local reference. In addition, the hotel is equipped to host events and conventions, reinforcing its profile as a versatile space.

What impact do you expect this hotel to have on the economic and tourism dynamics of the Alfragide area?

MF: The impact will undoubtedly be very positive. Moxy Alfragide Lisboa will contribute to the enhancement of the entire area, generating greater economic and tourism dynamism. Its opening will attract visitors, stimulate new services, and strengthen the existing business fabric.

Moreover, companies already established in the area will benefit from a modern space where they can host clients, hold meetings, and offer high-quality accommodation. Altogether, the hotel will become a reference point and a driver of growth for Alfragide.