Fall in hotel deals in Europe-the Middle East-Africa in 2009. - According to the most recent annual study by Jones Lang LaSalle Hotels, the number of deals on the hotel real estate market in Europe-the Middle East-Africa slumped by 64.3% in 2009 on 2008 to a total of €2.78 billion, a greater than expected fall. (In February 2009, Jones Lang LaSalle forecast total deals worth €5.3 billion.) This is the first time in 10 years that such low levels have been recorded, and follow a spectacular hike of €22.2 bn in 2007. France is the European country recording the greatest amount of hotel investment (€608 million), followed by the United Kingdom (€366 million), Germany (€338 million), Spain (€332 million), Sweden (€267 million) and Italy (€224 million). Jones Land LaSalle Hotels says that 2010 should show signs of recovery although portfolio sales will remain limited. The total hotel market in Europe-the Middle East-Africa is expected to reach €4.05 billion in 2010. (I.L./transl.fl)