What flex accommodation models will shape the next 10 years?
So first we see a big change in the hospitality industry. We are moving—and we’ve it seen in the past— with service apartments, but now we see how it’s moving to flex living. I think flex living is something that will stay. Spain is in a good position in Europe with regards to senior living and flex living. I think we will see in the next 10 years how investors and operators will see the potential that Spain has in this market.
How are operators creating value beyond just offering space?
In the hospitality industry, we talk about the experience. So when we talk about experience, we talk about the service that we provide and the feelings. But when we talk about co-living, senior living, or flex living, we talk not just about experience—we talk about community. People live in accommodation for weeks, months, or years, and what they are looking for is community and flexibility. Community generates impact because it’s a way to learn about the area where they live. Flex accommodation often means people who are foreigners, moving from one city to another. They might not speak the language or share the culture, so community makes the difference. I think in the future, as this becomes more popular, we will see this moving into the hospitality sector as well.
What major disruption could reshape the industry soon?
We need to see a big change from politicians, governments, and in regulations. Today, in Spain we have many different regulations. In Europe as well, we have many different regulations, and actually, politicians are changing them every single day. We need a huge change—setting rules, setting regulation, and letting demand move the way it wants. Operators and investors exist because of demand, not the other way around. Regulators need to understand that. Serviced apartments have existed for over a decade across Europe and will remain. Flex living is present in Spain, Germany, and Greece—and it’s here to stay. Spain plays an amazing role in senior living too, but we need regulators and the European Union to act. The demand now wants flexibility, technology, maintenance, community, and experience—not just a flat to rent.
What trends or ideas are you taking from Vitur 2025?
It’s my second time here and I will keep returning. It gives me the opportunity to visit suppliers, see technology, and meet with competitors. It’s a good moment to talk, understand needs, and share experiences. As an operator working across service apartments, hotels, and host living segments, there is value in these conversations. Honestly, with each visit, it’s getting better—improving, increasing. I’m happy to see that.
Carlos Escoda offers a grounded perspective on how demand, community, and regulation will define the next chapter in European hospitality. As Spain and wider Europe adapt to new ways of living, events like Vitur provide an essential platform for collaboration and forward momentum.
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