Bucharest hosts international hospitality experts at INVEST Summit 2025

Bucharest, October 27, 2025 – INVEST Summit 2025, taking place on November 19–20 at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Bucharest, marks a new milestone for Romania’s hospitality industry. Now in its second edition, the summit brings together global leaders in hospitality, education, real estate investment, and public administration, within a professional setting designed to foster investment and tangible partnerships.

For the first time, Romania will host major international hotel groups such as Rotana Hotel Management Corporation PJSC (represented by Farhan Shubailat, Corporate Director of Development) and Minor Hotels Europe & Americas (Mikhail Kolesnik, Regional Development Director, Eastern Europe & CIS).

Other renowned brands, including Accor, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Marriott International, Hilton, and Radisson Hotel Group, will also be represented by top-level executives and experts specializing in regional development and hotel portfolio management.

The line-up of speakers features industry figures such as Philippe Bijaoui (Accor), Claude Béglé (Swiss NeWater Holding), Saar Sharon (West Ridge Asset Management), Tinu Sebeșanu (Trend Hospitality), Nina Moldovan (CEO Winners First), Yateendra Sinh (YS & Associates), Russell Kett (HVS London), Vlad Dragoescu (Revetas Capital), Marius Moldovan (Transilvania Investments), Pankaj Birla (Marriott International), Vassilis Themelidis (Wyndham Hotels & Resorts), Prof. Dr. Colin Johnson (San Francisco State University), David Jenkins (Radisson Hotel Group), Prof. Dr. Achim Schmitt (EHL Hospitality Business School), Magsud Rahmanov (Dosfield Group), and Ben Wolff (CEO Oasi).

The event will unveil exclusive market data on the Romanian and Central & Eastern European hospitality sectors, provided by top consultancy firms including Cushman & Wakefield, STR, EHL, and HVS London, through specialized analysts in hotel transactions and development.

The INVEST Summit 2025 agenda features nine main panels addressing strategic topics in hospitality and hotel infrastructure. Over 50 national and international speakers will share insights and case studies with more than 250 industry professionals. Themes include new investment and development opportunities, hotel conversion, resilience in volatile economies, the expansion of global brands, sustainability, digital transformation, innovation, and the role of human capital in performance growth.

The summit enjoys strong institutional support, welcoming prominent governmental and business leaders such as H.E. Victor Chirilă, Ambassador of the Republic of Moldova to Romania; H.E. Massimo Baggi, Ambassador of Switzerland to Romania; Emil Hurezeanu, former Minister of Foreign Affairs and Ambassador; Dr. Radu-Dinel Miruță, Minister of Economy, Digitalization, Entrepreneurship and Tourism; Dr. Bogdan-Gruia Ivan, Minister of Energy; Prof. Dr. Daniel David, Minister of Education and Research; Dr. Mihai A. Ghigiu, Member of Parliament and Chair of the Education Committee; and Cristian Popa, Board Member of the National Bank of Romania.

Their participation, alongside numerous investors already confirmed, positions INVEST Summit as a meaningful platform for dialogue between the private sector, public institutions, and international leaders.

A highlight of the summit will be the premiere launch of the book “The Little Hotel Compendium”, authored by Prof. Dr. Ray F. Iunius, CEO of the winsed.swiss Group. The volume offers a strategic and applied overview of the modern hotel industry, addressing entrepreneurs, investors, architects, operators, consultants, and tourism decision-makers. Synthesizing over two decades of experience, the book serves as a practical guide for investment in hospitality. It is already available for pre-order at Curtea Veche Publishing and will be launched alongside the INVEST-FINDER digital platform, created to connect key stakeholders in the hotel market.

Another key feature this year is the participation of the Republic of Moldova as the guest country, reflecting stronger bilateral ties and a shared vision for cross-border cooperation in hospitality and economic development. This diplomatic and professional presence highlights the region’s potential for collaborative initiatives with a direct local impact.

The EHL Hospitality Business School, ranked the world’s No. 1 hospitality management university, will host a dedicated educational program, Travel Education for INVEST, as well as a special presentation at the close of the first day.

The conference will also feature speed-networking sessions, business lounges, and exhibition areas, facilitating direct connections between investors, operators, developers, and technology or service providers.

The event will conclude with the INVEST Gala, held under the High Patronage of His Royal Highness Prince Radu of Romania. During the gala, attendees will vote live for the winners of four awards:

• Hotel Development Award – for outstanding initiatives in hotel investment and expansion
• Human Capital Award – for excellence in developing human resources
• Sustainability Award – for innovative sustainability practices
• Digitalization Award – for impactful technological solutions in hospitality

Internationally acclaimed Romanian musicians Ștefan Doniga and Diana Jipa, listed in the Guinness World Records, will perform at the gala.

Through its scope and content, INVEST Summit 2025 reinforces Romania’s position as an emerging destination for hospitality investment in Europe.