An interview with Yoram Biton
Berlin, 11 February 2026. The demands placed on hotel operators have undergone discernible change. Increasing focus is now being placed on stability, experience and cooperative action. These are precisely the values to which Leonardo Hotels has been committed for many years, in both Germany and Europe. Yoram Biton, Managing Director of Leonardo Hotels Central Europe, explains in this interview why the company is reliably positioned for the long term and also speaks about the role played by Germany.
How stable is the tourism sector, and what are the factors that make it attractive in the long term?
Yoram Biton: “The hotel industry has always been a cyclical sector. The crucial aspect is how well you are prepared. From our point of view, stability mainly arises as a result of structure, diversification and the ability to adjust to altered market conditions.
Today, Leonardo Hotels Central Europe operates more than 120 hotels offering more than 20,000 rooms in ten different countries. This geographical breadth helps us to spread risk. Then there is our brand diversity. We boast a strong presence in both the traditional business travel sector and in the leisure segment. We have been expanding in the latter in a targeted way since 2022. This mix gives us the necessary flexibility to remain stable, even in more challenging times.”
Why is Germany such an important market for Leonardo Hotels, and why is it considered to be stable?
Yoram Biton: “Germany is our core market in Europe. More than half of our hotels are located here, 73 currently. Stability is ensured by economic strength, by a poly-centric structure which comprises many vibrant cities and by reliable demand from the business, MICE and leisure segments.
We consciously target top urban locations, A1 sites and strong secondary cities where the demand base is sustainable. Together with the many years of experience we have gathered since entering the market in 2007, this location quality makes Germany one of the most resilient markets in our portfolio.”
How is Leonardo Hotels positioned financially, and how do you secure stability in uncertain times?
Yoram Biton: “Financial stability is the foundation for sustainable growth. We act in conjunction with strong partners and place our faith in a balanced financial structure which includes equity capital, co-investments and conservative financing leverage. This affords us the leeway to react when markets change.
Because we are part of the Fattal Hotel Group, we are also integrated into a very effective international group which today operates more than 315 hotels across 21 countries. This structure provides us with support and allows long-term thinking. Our growth is based on robust locations which have been carefully evaluated, on viable concepts and on sustainable profitability – not on short-term opportunities.
What is the nature of your risk management, and which scenarios do you prepare for?
Yoram Biton: “For us, risk management is part of everyday business rather than constituting a separate process. In operational terms, we work with standardised processes and clear quality structures. At a portfolio level, our broad positioning across countries, brands and target groups assists with avoiding dependencies on individual markets. Financially speaking, we rely on conservative structures and long-term partnerships.
Of course, we take various scenarios into account, such as economic fluctuations, shifts in demand and even external crises. But experience shows us that rapid reaction and the ability to adapt where necessary are more crucial than being able to predict everything.”
Why should owners and investors choose Leonardo Hotels right now?
Yoram Biton: “Today’s owners and investors are seeking one thing above everything else. Reliability. The focus is on stable structures, operational excellence and long-term added value. This is precisely what Leonardo Hotels stands for.
Our portfolio is broadly based and resilient. Our brands are diversified, and we possess a wealth of operational experience in Germany and Europe. This forms the basis for lasting partnerships. As part of the Fattal Hotel Group, we also have recourse to a strong corporate structure. Anyone who works with us gains security of planning and a partner who remains reliable even in challenging times.”