Leonardo Hotels accelerates expansion: Slovenia in focus among new markets
Leonardo Hotels Central Europe is preparing a new phase of expansion, In addition to the investment capital that could reach one billion euros. After 28 new hotels that the group expects to add to its portfolio during 2026, it already plans around 20 new acquisitions for 2027. Among the markets it aims to pursue opportunities more aggressively is Slovenia.
This is an interesting signal for the regional hotel industry because Leonardo's growth is not based solely on the construction of new hotels. There are also deals to buy existing properties, convert them, renovate them, and so on., management contracts and acquisitions of hotel portfolios.
Slovenia enters into a development focus
In its latest development strategy, the company specifically mentions Slovenia and Slovakia as markets where they want to seek out new projects more intensively. The hiring of local development managers is also planned, which shows that this is not just a matter of casually observing the market.
Leonardo In doing so, it primarily seeks well-positioned city hotels that can meet the demand for business and conference travel, but at the same time aims to expand the leisure segment as well.
For Slovenia, such an approach could be interesting in Ljubljana, but potentially also in destinations that combine leisure and business demand. The company has not yet announced a specific Slovenian hotel or a signed project.
Growth through acquisitions and rebranding
Of the 28 hotels that Leonardo Hotels expects to add during 2026, about 20 come from the former Revo Hospitality portfolio. The group is simultaneously managing approximately 30 previously launched conversion and renovation projects.
Such a strategy can accelerate entry into new markets. Instead of developing a completely new hotel over several years, an existing property can be rebranded, undergo renovation, and enter the Leonardo Hotel portfolio relatively quickly.
The expansion should be supported by the Investment Platform Partnership IV, the total volume of which is estimated between 800 million and one billion euros.
What would the entry into Slovenia mean for the agencies?
For travel agencies and TMCs, the arrival of a new international hotel player means a wider selection of branded accommodation, especially for business, group and MICE travel.
But the other side of the process also needs to be monitored. If Leonardo were to grow by taking over existing hotels, some of the properties could relatively quickly change their name, operator, distribution channels, and commercial terms.
Slovenia is currently focused on the market, and not on a confirmed new destination for Leonardo Hotels. However, hiring a local development team shows that the company wants to be ready as soon as a suitable hotel or investment opportunity arises.
