Which lobbyist group polished up the industry's image in 2023? None. Who praised and helped their strong SME entrepreneurs? Nobody. Every entrepreneur is still fighting for himself. And there are still plenty of parties for the others. That's also where a lot of rumours come from, along the lines of "Next year will be quite a rumble, a lot of consolidation..." Indeed, there are many talks going on behind the scenes, but we will see whether these planned deals make sense.
Technology, digitalisation, sustainability: These three core topics are becoming increasingly important in their interconnectedness - because they are global issues. High-speed internet, AI and ESG laws ignore borders. That's why we would like to encourage you to "push your own boundaries", just like Italy's legendary thermal baths, spas and spa hotels do. 2023 was a great year for this segment, with fantastic rates, the very first market report on wellness and health in Italy reveals. It recounts the success stories of the operators and of the Italians' desire to use their knowledge to expand within Europe and as far as Saudi Arabia. Massimiliano Sarti ensures your personal well-being just in time for the festive season. Health and wellbeing are among the top trends of the coming years!
Even mega-destinations are adapting: Susanne Stauss spent a week in Macau and heard how this destination (bigger than Las Vegas) wants to shed its casino image. The next tourists are to be "completely normal", are to discover their heart for the old Portuguese colony, for the local spirit and the oversized food paradise. She also spoke to Kris Kaminsky, SVP Operations at casino giant Sands. And listened to a MICE panel on how to spice up global presence meetings with AI today!
Think your way into new framework conditions, live with what is feasible, dare to try something new. The Chinese are no different. During the strict Covid-19 lockdowns, they had plenty of time to think about what they would like to experience on future trips to Europe. Our China insider, Prof. Dr. Wolfgang Arlt, tells you: They no longer want to brag about money but want to spend it on more quality and experiences, on authentic and healthy things! Now come the childless "silver-haired travellers" who want to immerse themselves in our traditions.
Further reports on global and German travel trends will be published today. Whether in front of or behind the paywall, everything has to do with the aforementioned concepts of technology, digitisation and sustainability. From our VIP News: Leadership and generational change at the highest level at The Peninsula Hotels: Clement Kwok, CEO of parent company HSH, and Peninsula COO Peter Borer will retire in 2024. A historic turning point.
We are now also saying goodbye to the old year, will enjoy the Christmas break and will be back in the office from 8 January, with the first issue of 2024 on Friday, 12 January.
This year's HITT and Expo Real have once again shown how much strength and trust there is in our network. These are the values that give us - and not only us - energy in times of crisis. Both events will be our highlights again in 2024, especially with the HITT premiere in Amsterdam (17/18 June).
On behalf of the publishing house and the editorial team, I would like to thank you all, dear readers and business partners, for your loyalty, for the positive and motivating discussions, the many ideas and also for the advice on our mammoth new website project.
And in the same breath, Michael Willems and I would also like to thank our great team in the office, who have pulled together in all situations... And that also applies to our three translators, who have been there for us for 18 years without fail and at all hours! And the same positive cooperation connects us with our correspondents!
Relax & Reload! Just put your feet up... Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Yours, Maria Pütz-Willems & the HospitalityInside team