Hotel investment volume in Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) fell to EUR 2.9 bn in 2009, reflecting the lowest volume of transactions since the late 1990s and a drop of 63% compared to 2008, according to Jones Lang LaSalle Hotels. While 2010 is expected to remain challenging, by the year-end investment volumes could increase by almost 40% on the 2009 volume and reach EUR 4.1 bn, driven by improving economic conditions, gradually strengthening investor confidence and an increase in stock on the market.