18 de junio de 2023 – La NASA y el gobierno de Estados Unidos han anunciado una importante iniciativa para explotar y aprovechar los recursos minerales del asteroide Psyche-16. Este asteroide, compuesto principalmente por oro y platino, posee un valor estimado en 10.000 billones de dólares, lo que representa una oportunidad sin precedentes para impulsar la economía mundial y abrir nuevas posibilidades para el desarrollo tecnológico.

Psyche-16, conocido como “el asteroide de oro y platino”, ha despertado un gran interés debido a su composición única y a su potencial económico. El gobierno de Estados Unidos, en colaboración con la NASA, ha tomado la delantera en esta ambiciosa empresa que busca asegurar el acceso y la explotación responsable de los recursos minerales del asteroide.

Este proyecto pionero involucrará la implementación de tecnologías de vanguardia y la colaboración de científicos, ingenieros y expertos en minería espacial de todo el mundo. Se espera que la misión de la NASA para obtener datos sobre Psyche-16, programada para octubre de este año, proporcione información crucial para la planificación y ejecución de las operaciones de extracción en el futuro.

Technicians at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida perform work on the agency’s Psyche spacecraft inside the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility (PHSF) on May 3, 2022. While inside the PHSF, the spacecraft will undergo routine processing and servicing ahead of launch. Psyche is targeting to lift off aboard a SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket on Aug. 1, 2022. The spacecraft will use solar-electric propulsion to travel approximately 1.5 billion miles to rendezvous with its namesake asteroid in 2026. The Psyche mission is led by Arizona State University. NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, which is managed for the agency by Caltech in Pasadena, California, is responsible for the mission’s overall management, system engineering, integration and testing, and mission operations. Maxar Technologies in Palo Alto, California, provided the high-power solar electric propulsion spacecraft chassis. NASA’s Launch Services Program (LSP), based at Kennedy, is managing the launch. Psyche will be the 14th mission in the agency’s Discovery program and LSP’s 100th primary mission.

La explotación de los recursos minerales de Psyche-16 no solo podría impulsar la economía global, sino que también podría abrir nuevas oportunidades en el ámbito de la exploración espacial y el desarrollo de tecnologías avanzadas. La adquisición de este asteroide representa un hito significativo en el camino hacia la explotación sostenible de los recursos espaciales y el avance de la humanidad en el ámbito de la minería espacial.

A medida que avanzamos hacia una nueva era de exploración y explotación de recursos espaciales, es fundamental garantizar que estas actividades se realicen de manera responsable y sostenible, con el objetivo de proteger nuestro entorno cósmico y preservar los beneficios para las generaciones futuras.

El gobierno de Estados Unidos invita a la comunidad científica, a la industria y a los socios internacionales a unirse a esta histórica iniciativa para desbloquear el potencial económico y tecnológico del asteroide Psyche-16, y juntos forjar un futuro próspero en el espacio.

Hilton checks in as the world’s most valuable hotel brand

  • Hotel industry sees gradual return to normality as pre-pandemic travel patterns resume while over half of top 50 hotel brands remain below pre-pandemic values
  • Hilton delivers exceptional service as the reigning champion of hotel brands, valued at US$11.7 billion
  • Le Méridien is named the fastest-growing hotel brand as a new entrant to Top 50 ranking
  • Conrad takes an extraordinary leap to become the world’s strongest hotel brand, with an AAA+ rating
  • Hilton has the highest Sustainability Perceptions Value (SPV), at US$565 million, while Taj has the highest Sustainability Perceptions Score, at 5.04 out of 10

Hotel industry sees gradual return to normality as pre-pandemic travel patterns resume, while over half of top 50 hotel brands remain below pre-pandemic values

After two years of global travel restrictions and economic uncertainty, the past year has witnessed an increasing return to pre-pandemic travel patterns. However, Brand Finance research finds that the hotel industry is slow to recover from the pandemic’s long-lasting effects, as 27 out of 50 hotel brands (54%) remain below their pre-pandemic values.

Hilton delivers exceptional service as the reigning champion of hotel brands, valued at US$11.7 billion

Hilton (brand value down 2% to US$11.7 billion) retains its title as the world’s most valuable hotel brand, according to the latest report from leading brand valuation consultancy, Brand Finance. 2022 was an exceptional year of brand value growth for Hilton, with revenue soaring as both business and leisure travel surged post-pandemic. This year’s result indicates a slight slowdown in this growth momentum, as the industry returns to a more normal trajectory. That said, Hilton’s brand value remains above its pre-pandemic level, and it is almost double that of runner-up, Hyatt (brand value up 3% to US$6.1 billion).

Henry Farr, Associate Director at Brand Finance, commented,

“In the post-pandemic world, Hilton has demonstrated remarkable resilience and a steadfast commitment to delivering exceptional experiences. With an unwavering focus on guest satisfaction, Hilton has not only recovered but has emerged stronger in several aspects, solidifying its position as a leading global brand. Through innovative strategies and a dedication to shifting consumer needs, it has retained its title as the world’s most valuable hotel brand.”

Le Méridien is named the fastest-growing hotel brand as a new entrant to Top 50 ranking

Le Méridien (brand value up 375% to US$669.4 million) checks into the 2023 top 50 ranking in 23rd as the fastest-growing hotel brand. Part of the Marriott (brand value up 33% to US$3.1 billion) International portfolio, Le Méridien has been expanding its presence across the globe in the past year. Most recently, Le Méridien established Le Méridien Melbourne. Its premium location and luxury features have attracted both tourists and locals, further boosting the hotel’s revenue from bookings in one of Australia’s most popular coastal cities. Other significant growth milestones for Le Méridien include its second hotel opening in New York City, which is hoped to boost its familiarity score in the US and globally.

Conrad takes an extraordinary leap to become the world’s strongest hotel brand, with an AAA+ rating

In addition to calculating brand value, Brand Finance also determines the relative strength of brands through a balanced scorecard of metrics evaluating marketing investment, stakeholder equity, and business performance. Compliant with ISO 20671, Brand Finance’s assessment of stakeholder equity incorporates original market research data from over 100,000 respondents in 38 countries and across 31 sectors.

Conrad (brand value up 65% to US$537.82 million) has jumped up 16 spots to 31st position overall, while jumping an astonishing 38 spots into the winning position for brand strength, scoring 91/100. Known for its luxurious options and personalised service, Conrad has boosted its brand strength this year through significant global expansion. Hilton opened six new Conrad Hotels and Resorts in various desirable locations, including LA and Shanghai, with the aim of enhancing its long-standing reputation for seamless luxury and exceptional hotel design.

Hilton has highest Sustainability Perceptions Value (SPV) at US$565 million, while Taj has the highest Sustainability Perceptions Score, at 5.04 out of 10

As part of its analysis, Brand Finance assesses the role that specific brand attributes play in driving overall brand value. One such attribute, is sustainability. Brand Finance assesses how sustainable specific brands are perceived to be, represented by a ‘Sustainability Perceptions Score’. This is an indexed score that provides a view of the role of sustainability in driving positive brand reputation. The value that is linked to sustainability perceptions, the ‘Sustainability Perceptions Value’, is then calculated for each brand.

Hilton has the highest Sustainability Perceptions Value (SPV) at US$565 million. Although Hilton has committed to becoming more sustainable, its position at the top of the SPV table is not an assessment of its overall sustainability performance. Rather, it indicates how much brand value it has tied up in sustainability perceptions. Hilton’s commitment to sustainability is evident through its ESG program, Travel with Purpose. The brand has set ambitious targets, aiming to reduce emissions intensity by 75% in Hilton-managed hotels and 56% in Hilton-franchised hotels by 2030.

India based hotels group, Taj (brand value up 19% to US$374.35 million) earns the highest Sustainability Perceptions Score in the Hotels 50 2023 ranking at 5.04 out of 10. In 2022, Taj’s parent company, IHCL, launched the Paathya sustainability programme, encompassing several key initiatives, including eliminate the use of single-use plastics across its hotels, and installing electric vehicle (EV) charging stations.

Manchester City FC named world’s most valuable football club brand

  • Manchester City FC becomes the world’s most valuable football brand, ending Real Madrid’s four-year streak at the top
  • Real Madrid CF reigns supreme as the world’s strongest football club brand
  • Spanish clubs continue to perform strongly in the 2023 ranking
  • Manchester United jumps ahead of rival Liverpool FC to take 4th position
  • London football clubs hold onto top 10 ranks, with Arsenal FC seeing the biggest brand value increase
  • AC Milan represents Italy as the fastest-growing football club brand for second year running
  • Paris Saint-Germain overtakes FC Bayern Munich, while only three French clubs feature in top 50
  • Germany holds the second-highest number of clubs in the ranking behind UK, while Bundesliga continues to lose brand value
  • Flamengo just holds onto 50th position as the only non-European club in the ranking

Manchester City FC becomes the world’s most valuable football brand, ending Real Madrid’s four-year streak at the top

Manchester City FC (brand value up 13% to €1.51 billion) has achieved a historic milestone by surpassing Real Madrid CF (brand value down 4% to €1.46 billion) as the world’s most valuable football club brand. The club’s brand value has seen a positive increase of 34% growth since the COVID-19 pandemic and has now reached an all-time high. Manchester City FC also boasts the highest revenue in this year’s table, a key driver in its ascent to the top.

Hugo Hensley, Head of Sports Services at Brand Finance, commented:

“Manchester City FC has achieved an extraordinary feat by surpassing Real Madrid to become the champion of football club brands. For a decade now, the City team has exerted its dominance in English football, including securing four Premier League titles in the past five seasons. However, the club’s performance in this year’s ranking highlights that Manchester City FC are performing off the pitch in terms of building a strong brand and attracting fans and sponsors, and setting the stage for what should be an iconic 2023 Champions League final against Inter Milan.”

Real Madrid CF reigns supreme as the world’s strongest football club brand

In addition to calculating brand value, Brand Finance also determines the relative strength of brands through a balanced scorecard of metrics evaluating marketing investment, stakeholder equity, and business performance. Compliant with ISO 20671, Brand Finance’s assessment of stakeholder equity incorporates original market research data from over 10,000 football fans in Europe, Brazil, China, and the USA.

While beaten out of the top spot by Manchester City FC this year, Real Madrid CF strikes again as the strongest and second-most valuable football club brand. In 2022, Brand Finance research determined that the Spanish powerhouse were the most likely club to be rated ‘the best club in the world’ by fans. Brand strength is what attracts fans, players, investors, and sponsors to engage with the club –delivering commercial value through higher revenues, prices – especially for sponsorship, higher growth, and sponsors, reducing risks to profitability related to weak on pitch performance.

Spanish clubs continue to perform strongly in the 2023 ranking

Following Real Madrid in 2ndFC Barcelona (brand value up 4% to €1.4 billion) defends its 2022 rank in 3rd, as does Club Atletico de Madrid (brand value down 5% to €549.56 million) in 12th. Following a period of on-pitch setbacks and financial struggles, FC Barcelona appears to have resurged its reputation, winning the Spanish LaLiga ahead of historic rival Real Madrid in 2nd and Club Atletico de Madrid in 3rd.

Sevilla FC (brand value up 6% to €189.27 million) has also shot up five places to 25th, while Villareal CF (brand value up 5% to €137.38 million) has gone up four rankings to 36th position. After struggling in LaLiga and changing coaches multiple times, Sevilla FC found stability under the leadership of Jose Luis Mendilibar, who is credited with reviving the team’s success. Further solidifying its international reputation, the club has achieved remarkable results in Europe, defeating British and Italian powerhouses Manchester United FC and Juventus.

Spain adds two more achievements to its 2023 success, as Real Sociedad (brand value €133.63 million) is a new entrant in 37th place, while Real Betis (brand value up 31% to 153.1 million) shoots up nine positions to 34th to be named the third fastest-growing football club brand. Finishing 6th in LaLiga (ahead of Sevilla FC in 12th), Real Betis is hoping to further boost its brand strength and global recognition through a €70 million renovation of its home stadium. Further, Brand Finance also ranked Real Betis 2nd, one spot ahead of Real Madrid CF, in its Football Sustainability Index. The club’s commitment to raising awareness about climate change has further bolstered its positive reputation worldwide.

Manchester United jumps ahead of rival Liverpool FC to take 4th position

Manchester United FC (brand value up 9% to €1.4 billion) now sits one rank ahead of its historic rival Liverpool FC (brand value up 7% to €1.4 billion) in fourth and fifth position respectively. Both clubs have recorded positive brand value trajectories since 2022, finally surpassing their pre-pandemic values. After two Covid-hit seasons, 2022-2023 saw the continued return of live matches and fans to stadiums, resulting in increased ticket sales and revenues.

Jurgen Klopp’s appointment as manager of Liverpool FC in 2015 has propelled the club to unparalleled success, establishing them as one of the country’s most formidable teams. As for its rival, Erik ten Hag’s arrival as Manchester United’s leader in 2022 also seems to have resurged the club’s reputation. The Red Devils’ win against Newcastle United to win the League Cup this year saw them clinch their first trophy in six years.

London football clubs hold onto top 10 ranks, with Arsenal FC seeing the biggest brand value increase 

Arsenal FC (brand value up 14% to €906.28 million) is up two positions from 2022 and now ranks 8th. Squad investments, (Arsenal FC signed Gabriel Jesus and Oleksandr Zinchenko from Manchester City FC in summer 2022) strengthened on-pitch tactics, and Mikel Arteta’s effective leadership have all contributed to The Gunners’ strong season, their 3-1 win over Chelsea FC (brand value up 1% to €860.5 million) on May 3rd propelling them to the top of the Premier League. Although eventually beaten into a respectable second by Manchester City FC, Arsenal FC set the record for the most days spent at the top of the league without winning it. Furter, their status as the youngest squad in the league instils hope among key stakeholders for a promising future.

AC Milan represents Italy as the fastest-growing football club brand for second year running

AC Milan (brand value up 33% to €357.98 million) ranks 15th this year and is named the fastest-growing football club brand, closely followed by SSC Napoli, (brand value up 31% to €239.81 million) in 18th as the second-fastest growing. AC Milan had a successful season, reaching the Champions League semi-finals and holding a respectable 4th position in Serie A. The club’s brand value has increased through royalties and sponsorships, totalling nearly €20 million in 2022. Also solidifying its growing success, SCC Napoli has stormed to the top of the Serie A league following continued on-pitch success. Revenues generated from the Serie A and the Champions League qualifiers, in addition to broadcasting and sponsorship opportunities, have further propelled the club’s growth.

Paris Saint-Germain overtakes FC Bayern Munich, while only three French clubs feature in top 50 

Paris Saint-Germain (brand value up 10% to €1.1 billion) has moved up one rank into 6th, overtaking 2022 rival FC Bayern Munich (brand value down 1% to €1.1 billion) who drops to 7th. PSG, the current top-ranked team in the French Ligue 1, gained global recognition and popularity following the 2022 World Cup, which saw young talent Kylian Mbappé, and footballing legend Lionel Messi go head-to-head in a historic final. The club’s formidable and widely recognised powerhouse trio of Messi, Mbappé, and Neymar, has solidified PSG’s iconic status, in the footballing world and beyond.

Germany holds the second-highest number of clubs in the ranking behind UK, while Bundesliga continues to lose brand value

Germany has an impressive 10 clubs in this year’s ranking, with its strongest and most valuable club brand, FC Bayern Munich holding its top 10 rank in 7th. Although the team made a record start to the 2022-2023 season, they are facing increasing competition from other German clubs. They sit in 2nd place behind Borussia Dortmund (brand value up 5% to €541.92 million, ranked 13th) in the Bundesliga, while Bayern also recently suffered their first-ever defeat by RB Leipzig (brand value down 9% to €222.46 million, ranked 19th). That said, Bayern’s exceptional talent pool, global reputation and popularity remains undisputed; the club have secured more victories than all remaining Bundesliga teams combined, and the club boasts a global fan base of loyal and dedicated fans.

Flamengo just holds onto 50th position as the only non-European club in the ranking 

Flamengo (brand value up 2% to €97.85 million) have dropped from 49th in 2022 to 50th position in 2023. Despite Brazilian hopes for their success, the team were knocked out of the 2023 FIFA Club World Cup in February after a disappointing defeat to Saudi Arabian team, Al-Hilal. That said, the Brazilian club still performs respectively in the BSI ranking, dropping only one place to 16th.  This strong result indicates that the club maintains a favourable global reputation, attributed to the successful legacy and rich heritage of its nation’s football culture. Flamengo also achieves the second-highest score globally for its passionate fan base.