Even in times such as these characterized by an especially complex geopolitical landscape, the luxury hospitality sector continues to deliver significant results and to attract a segment of the clientele that is largely unaffected by economic fluctuations. This certainty forms the basis of the challenge undertaken by AG Hotel Consulting, a company that has grown within the AG Group and down the years has established itself as a benchmark for anyone seeking comprehensive consultancy in the high-end hospitality sector.
Tailored excellence
Developed through a careful analysis of guests’ needs at AG Hotels’ properties, the company, founded in 2011, aims to build excellence in hospitality, providing personalized support to all players in the high-end Italian hotel sector, from individual hoteliers to investment funds, family offices and small hotel collections.
Opening doors to key international markets
Each client is assigned a dedicated team and together they oversee the project, developing it through every stage in order to maximize growth by cutting out the middleman on many internal services, which are delegated to AG Hotel Consulting. “The model is a success, just consider that from the 15 contracts signed in 2023, we now have a portfolio of 35 4-star and 5-star properties of various types, and the aim is to reach 70 by 2030," says COO Pietro Moretti who added that the selection focuses on boutique hotels with up to some 100 rooms and on high-end properties in general. "Underpinning the project are economies of scale and the strength of the AG Group brand, which allows us to leverage existing synergies with AG Hotels and AG Boutique Journey, our in-house DMC that opens doors to key international markets.”
AG Hotel Consulting Team
A dedicated task force
Through a task force dedicated to each specific client, AG Hotel Consulting “develops all the key elements required to support a structured, multi-phase growth strategy” tailored to the individual’s needs in a strictly bespoke manner. “We apply the same business model used for our own properties, offering representation at the main industry trade fairs, as well as revenue, marketing and partnership agreements consultancy”.
The owners retain full decision-making autonomy
“We optimize clients’ websites through targeted digital marketing strategies, develop valuable relationships supported by a very extensive commercial database, and ensure maximum visibility for the properties we represent. A comprehensive service, above all tailored to the client’s actual needs, assessed and agreed upon following a thorough analysis of each individual situation.” The only aspect that AG Hotel Consulting deliberately does not take on is the administrative side: “That remains with the owners, who thus retain full decision-making autonomy,” explains Moretti.
Two management formats
From an operational perspective Moretti refers to two different management formats. “The Distribution Plus formula is aimed at hotels already in operation, interested in improving profitability and performance through qualitative growth. This model offers a range of services and opportunities for improvement in the areas of sales representative, revenue, digital marketing and social media communication, to name but a few of the aspects covered.” For new properties AG Hotel Consulting offers Manchising, “which literally combines the solidity of management with the flexibility of franchising. It is an ideal formula for newly opened hotels, start-ups or establishments requiring strategic repositioning - explains Moretti ".
"AGHC - he continues - -offers them comprehensive consultancy, including for example, a structured database, more in-depth commercial support, technical assistance and support with bookings, as well as social media communication initiatives”.
Know-how honed over more than 25 years
“All activities are carried out by an operational team that works continuously, coordinated by one of our operations managers who liaises with the client’s front office. Under this model, back-office services are managed directly by us, ensuring significant optimization of costs and processes.” A key strength of the AGHC model is being part of a group of hoteliers with know-how honed over more than 25 years of experience in the high-end hospitality sector. “We speak the same language as our clients, and this allows us to create vibrant and dynamic operational synergies that can optimize performance to work on long-term projects.”
The value of training
Another issue particularly close to AG Group’s heart is training. “Our ambition is to establish an Academy, a school that can train young talent across the various fields of the hospitality industry, from front office to F&B, to operations. Furthermore, we are working on fam trips and events in collaboration with tour operators, with the aim of bringing international operators to discover our hidden gems. You don't have to open a hotel in a famous tourist destination, even small, lesser-known locations can hold unique surprises, and AG Group is able to identify and promote these on an international scale.”
A winning business model
An example of this “win-win” business model is the Hotel della Piana in Avezzano. “Thanks to our joint efforts with the owners, who believed in AG Hotel Consulting and invested in creating a country urban resort, the average room occupancy rate in 2025 stood at 77%. This is a significant figure, especially given the property’s location in a small town in the province of L’Aquila. And this is the winning business model from which we would like to take inspiration."
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