As Langham Hospitality Group accelerates its expansion across Europe, the Middle East and Africa, newly appointed Head of Development – EMEA Josh Littman shares his vision for growth, the opportunities shaping the region, and why the Group’s heritage gives it a distinctive edge in today’s competitive luxury hospitality market.
Fresh into his role as Head of Development – EMEA, Josh Littman is tasked with accelerating Langham Hospitality Group‘s growth across one of the world’s most dynamic hospitality markets. With landmark projects already underway in Venice and Diriyah, and ambitions spanning Europe, the Middle East and Africa, he joins the business at a pivotal moment. For Josh, the opportunity was impossible to ignore.
I’ve always been a fan of The Langham Hotels & Resorts brand, which, for me, is the epitome of timeless luxury and British heritage hospitality. The Langham brand was born in London 160 years ago, and there is plenty of room to grow our footprint across the region.
said Josh.
That heritage, combined with significant white space for expansion, was a major draw.
We’re already making great progress in Europe and the Middle East, with both The Langham Venice and The Langham, Diriyah well underway. In Africa, I see some fantastic opportunities across our brand spectrum in a number of the key international markets.
he explained.
He believes Langham Hospitality Group occupies a distinctive position in today’s luxury hospitality landscape.
With so much saturation in many markets amongst our luxury peers, we have the unique proposition of being able to deliver a new, but familiar face. I’m thrilled to play a part in sculpting the group’s next chapter of growth.
Josh said.
Over the next five years, the Group’s ambitions are firmly focused on strategic growth across EMEA, with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) standing out as a priority market.
I see plenty of growth opportunities in the GCC for Langham Hospitality Group, both in urban hotel development and in resorts. Not too far away, the Red Sea also offers interesting opportunities, alongside Jeddah and Mecca.
said Josh.
Europe also represents a significant opportunity for the business to build on its historic roots.
We were founded in London, and so European development is a key priority of ours going forward. Whilst we want to be in the key capital and gateway cities, we are also hungry to expand our resort presence, and southern Europe has seen significant activity in the industry over the past few years – a trend we are keen to capitalise on.
he said.
One area where Josh sees particular momentum is branded residences, a sector that continues to attract both developers and investors.
The Group is heavily invested in branded residences, and we are in a unique position to succeed in this area. Developers want proof of concept, and we have 160 years of legacy and brand trust under our belts.
he explained.
That combination of established heritage and a relatively limited regional footprint creates a fascinating proposition.
Whilst other groups may have already entered the GCC, our early-stage growth in the region gives us an edge. From an investor or developer standpoint, that recognition and lighter footprint translates into trust and opportunity that helps us stand out as an exciting new option in this space.
Josh said.
Langham’s residential offering, he adds, is about much more than luxury real estate.
Our Residence philosophy mirrors that of The Langham Hotels and Resorts – elegance in design, innovation in hospitality, genuine service and sensory appeal. Owners have access to the services and amenities provided by our hotels while investing in The Langham lifestyle.
he said.
Josh’s approach to development has been shaped by a career spanning advisory, financing, feasibility and hotel operations, giving him a broad commercial perspective when negotiating new partnerships.
I’ve had the privilege of working across a mix of hotel groups, from smaller, independent platforms to larger, publicly listed companies. Each situation brought me into contact with different people, situations and objectives.
he said.
Those experiences have reinforced one lesson above all others.
I think the most relevant lesson is understanding what the person sitting across from you wants. Once you understand that, you’re better able to focus on what is relevant when entering new relationships and pursuing new deals.
Josh explained.
Looking ahead, his ambitions for Langham Hospitality Group are clear and measurable –
Success for me would be us signing 10–15 deals over the next four to five years across all our brands, but The Langham and Eaton in particular. I’d love to see us plant a few flags in major global cities and one or two iconic resort destinations.
he said.
Despite now operating at the highest levels of hotel development, Josh remains grounded by the operational experience that launched his career.
Any job you do in the business is a learning opportunity. With every new experience you gain, you become better equipped to understand various situations in the future and add more value as a professional.
he reflected.
Starting in hotel operations, he said, continues to influence every commercial decision he makes.
Understanding the hotel experience through a guest’s perspective and through the eyes of hotel staff provides a great perspective when making commercial decisions.
Josh said.
To this day, I recall my time rotating through housekeeping and learning how critical the proper functioning of that department is, and how important a role its people play in the delivery of service and overall guest experience.
As Langham Hospitality Group embarks on its next phase of growth across EMEA, Josh Littman is bringing together commercial expertise, operational understanding and a deep appreciation for the Group’s heritage. With an ambitious development pipeline and a clear vision for expansion, his focus is firmly on ensuring Langham’s next chapter is every bit as enduring as its first.
