Meliá and Minor are taking significant steps to address their debt levels, which will enable them to invest more effectively alongside competitors like Barceló, Riu, and Iberostar. Meliá has postponed much of its debt maturity beyond 2030, while NH’s parent company plans to issue an investment instrument aimed at acquiring hotels. This restructuring is crucial for both companies as they navigate a competitive market while managing significant liabilities.

The hotel industry had a record year in revenue and profits recently, with the outlook for 2026 showing positive trends continuing from the previous year. Major hotel chains are gearing up to expand their portfolios or renovate older properties, but financial positions differ substantially among them. Barceló, RIU, and Iberostar are in a favorable situation with low debt and ample cash reserves, enabling them to invest more freely than Meliá and NH, which have opted for leasing and management contracts over ownership.

Meliá owns only 13% of its 93,500 rooms, while NH boasts a slightly higher ownership of 21% of its 55,574 rooms, reflecting their relative financial strategies. The difference in financial health among these chains highlights the varying approaches within the hotel sector, where the ability to leverage or minimize debt plays a crucial role in their ability to adapt and grow in a rapidly changing market environment.