In 2015, chief executive Roeland Vos unveiled a five-year plan to double Belmond’s portfolio by 2020, and it has so far added five new products, taking the collection to 37 luxury hotels, trains and river cruise vessels.

But Vos said the company’s growth plans were now gathering real momentum, with several announcements expected in the coming months, and around 50-60 projects to be agreed by 2020 itself.

"This year we’re going to deliver the results; it’s a rocket year," said Vos.

"We are working on 10-12 deals that could materialise within 6-12 months, though of course that doesn’t mean they will all materialise," he added.

The new projects – chosen from a long-list of around 1,000 opportunities - will be a combination of acquisitions and management contracts, and could also see existing properties within the portfolio being sold off.

“We will sell some existing properties and go and buy new ones with the money,” Vos explained. "We haven’t done that yet but you will see that very soon."

Last month, Belmond reported financial results for the first quarter of 2018, advising expected earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (Ebitda) of between $140-150 million by the end of the year – representing growth of 13-21% year-on-year.

Vos said that the UK and Irish market currently makes up 12% of Belmond’s business, but suggested the launch of Belmond Cadogan Hotel in London’s Chelsea in December could boost Belmond sales in the UK.