Editorial

Dear Insiders,
Asian Peninsula Hotels currently count only nine properties, yet wherever they announce expansion plans, Four Seasons, Mandarin Oriental, Ritz-Carlton & Co. sit up and take note. They know this small chain with its extremely high quality standards and feel its strength every day. Peninsula is considered to be one of the most innovative luxury hotel chains of all. It was them who introduced touch panels in guest rooms and who provided the nail varnish dryer for their female guests. Now, Paris awaits Peninsula. They have announced the opening date for their first European hotel: August 1, 2014.
COO Peter Borer, who has been with Peninsula for 32 years, is already thinking further though - about the second European hotel in London... I met Mr Borer, originally from Switzerland, and his new GM for the Peninsula Paris, in Munich this week and discovered some interesting details on the hotels as well as the extreme innovative pressure the company voluntarily takes on.
At the same time, my colleague Baerbel Schwertfeger was underway in Hong Kong. There, she took a look at the hotel group's innovation workshop. Peninsula is the only hotel chain in the world with its own research and technology department. She felt as if she'd walked into a James Bond film with 25 technical tinkerers...
Falkensteiner Hotels is also working on the right "road map" ... After a long quiet period, the hotel group again spoke publically about its strategy: It now targets Germany and Italy. It also plans on introducing a medical spa concept. No less interesting this week is the contribution from our Labour Lawyer Joachim Jungbluth, who comments on the judgement from the German Federal Labour Court on overtime.
Starwood Hotels has also presented the new lobby design for its Le Méridien Hotels and the InterCity Berlin opened as the new flagship hotel for the Steigenberger Group's brand. In Austria, HRS attempts to put pressure on hoteliers and last but not least, conference hotels and conference centres are finally also beginning to recover in the US, and the Cornell Hotel Society announced its next meetings for the German and EMEA Chapter. – The full editorial…

Dear Insiders,
After we explored why there is an increasing number of CEOs in the hotel industry that are coming from the financial world some weeks ago, we asked ourselves which management experience is more likely to lead to the career goal: The "internal" or "external" boss, the "novice" or the "old hand"? Psychology Professor Uwe Peter Kanning reports on who has the better potential.
British psychologist Kevin Dutton, also author of the book "The Wisdom of Psychopaths" rounds off this subject with a few statements. Dutton about these species: "They are fearless, charming and without scruple." Hopefully you do not recognise this in your boss!
A look to Northern Europe: The Irish hotel industry has entirely felt the results of the Lehman crash. Ireland has lost 2,500 hotel rooms since 2009. Now, however, the industry is once again in an upward trend. The current figures.
At the 6th ITB Asia in Singapore countries from all continents have clearly increased their exhibition space this year since Asia remains a powerhouse. However: It is no longer concentrating everything on China and India. And: The tourist masses travel low cost.
There are many indicators of a positive tourism and hotel development: According to a study, most hotel rates worldwide will rise in 2014; in EMEA, the hotel real estate transactions have significantly increased in the 3rd quarter; Louvre Hotels just sold off 40 hotels, and the number of smartphone buyers has officially exploded as well as their desire to shop online. In Switzerland, there are the continual hotel re-openings and smaller takeovers; in Austria, the cost pressures are rising for the hoteliers, but there is no price dumping. This and more in our colourful news today! – The full editorial …

Dear Insiders,
98 days remaining until Sochi … The Olympic Winter Olympics in Russia will supposedly cost more than 37 billion Euro – according to media reports, the Russian opposition is even speaking of up to 50 billion Euro. Fred Fettner has the mega figures broken down on the engagement of the Austrians, Germans and Swiss in Sochi: They will also pay millions for their representative base by the Black Sea or in the middle of the ski centre! Unanimous enthusiasm over these expensive games does not rule with the tourism professionals and sponsors from any of the German-speaking countries. A somewhat different view of Sochi.
At first glance, private equity as a financing alternative to classic banks also sounds good. Nevertheless, several differences can be discovered with a second look: Above all, the yield expectations rise. Private and institutional investors have their own vision of what worthwhile hotel real estate is. A summary of an Expo Real panel.
A topic in the panorama of business travel: In Austria, the Verkehrsbuero Group takes a closer look to this business field. It has developed an online tool for SME through which flights and hotels can be easily booked – and settles accounts with the companies as a lump amount. An interesting development whose path we will certainly pursue …
Our Social Media columnist, hotelier Marco Nussbaum, describes today how he installed his prizeotel in 360-degree pictures within Google; from Pisa, the ITB "World Monitor" has issued current figures on tourism development; TUI and Google have launched a survey together; and now the suppliers of private lodgings want to create a positive mood in the market with "one voice".
Last but not least: HospitalityInside is already in its trade show preparations for 2014 – and, among other things, is planning "World of Hospitality" joint stand for ITB Berlin. If you are interested in a partnership as a co-exhibitor in the Hotel Hall 9, please read the text on our homepage or contact us directly. - The full editorial ...

Dear Insiders,
Russia's largest national hotel chain, Azimut, is positioned anew, also in the German-speaking realm. Moreover and as of last week, Azimut has two German managers at the top: Walter Neumann and Sebastian Kraemer. They should bring the group to an internationally competitive level and there will additionally be a new hotel track alongside Azimut.
The ancient Congress of Vienna does not dance any longer. Austrian MICE managers have determined: Convention organisers today must not only pay attention to costs, the tourist environment of the event - the incentive sweetener - has become a deficiency rather than a plus. An interesting trend.
How does luxury define itself anew? Much of what was to be heard at the second "Luxperience" trade show in Sydney sounds close. It is a global confirmation of a trend that knows no borders, but lives on extremes - between nature and nirvana, exoticism and absolute ecstasy. From these emotional subjects there blossoms a new branch of business within the high-end.
HRS has concluded the squeeze out with hotel.de; Accor's individual brand pool MGallery strengthens its growth efforts in Europe; two new studies deal with the travel and mobility of the future; and now, the German serviced apartments scene has also distributed its first awards.
Last but not least: Today on our YouTube channel "The Hospitality TV", we have compiled photos of our Expo Real networking event "BRICKS & BRAINS". It took place for the first time in the new lounge of the trade show management Munich and we thank the management for this appreciation of the hospitality industry, just the same as our sponsors and guests! You can find the link to it within the corresponding text on our homepage. – The full editorial …

Dear Insiders,
The British budget hotel chain Premier Inn intends to have a higher quality presence in Germany than in its domestic market. That fact that the Whitbread subsidiary can always function as end investor though could be a considerable advantage in the very cautious German market. "We are buying!" is for me then the headline of the day.
Competition is hotting up. This was also made clear during Accor's extra press conference during the Expo Real. Accor aimed to defy the unstoppable announcement marathon of other players and provided some full performance data. Nevertheless, budget rival Motel One has today again made a special announcement: In 2016, the Motel One New York will open!
Since the big franchise companies were present at this year's Expo Real joint stand "World of Hospitality", there was also a franchise panel at the Hotel Conference. Host Christian Walter identified some interesting differences in the franchise models pursued by Accor, Choice, IHG, Marriott and Wyndham.
An encouraging keynote speech was given by Simon Redman from Invesco Real Estate London at the hotel conference: He praised the hotel industry and described its appeal from the perspective of an institutional investor. His keynote in a slightly abridged form.
You can also see and listen to some of the topics today on our YouTube channel "The hospitalityTV". There, pairs of exhibitors at the joint stand "World of Hospitality" have their say on what motivates them on the German investment market, on market displacement in budget, franchising, architecture and chains... More on this on our homepage.
And more on the international hotel market inside the magazine. – The full editorial…

Dear Insiders,
A positive mood, well-prepared contacts, many deals and a range of awards ... The Expo Real 2013 was buzzing this week. Funds are gaining pace and even among the banks there are a few new players. Once again, there is traction on all sides. This is also true for the hotel industry in which one market attracts investors and hotel operators like no other: Germany.
"Wow, finally a statement for our industry in the property market," one visitor at "World of Hospitality" said as he saw the 200 sq.m. stand in hall C2. Of course, as organiser of the stand, hospitalityInside was very pleased with this, though other statements from co-exhibitors show that the hotel industry really has been established in the minds of other visitors thanks to the successful joint stand. The names of the mega chains at the stand gave a large boost to this new awareness and the entire sector benefits as a result.
Read the first summary today and more detailed reports and trade fair news will follow in subsequent issues. We will also report on the hotel conference "Hospitality Industry Dialogue". The event attracted around 850 visitors. The most popular panels were those on Opportunity Funds, Private Equity & Institutional Investors and the Banks and CEO Panel.
But there are other topics today too: In Chamonix, France, tourism experts recently met to discuss marketing of the Alps. A very sensible approach, but our correspondent Fred Fettner shows how difficult it is to put these good intentions into practice. And our legal expert, employment lawyer Joachim Jungbluth, explains a recent decision from the Federal Labour Court on written warnings.
And Treugast presents its "Investment Ranking" for Germany and Austria, Premier Inn announced a massive expansion drive in Germany, citizenM has found a partner for the expansion in Asia, and the French consider levying a tax on OTAs. – The full editorial …

Dear Insiders,
Expo Real, starting on Monday in Munich, has some news in store and will provide for interesting talks: Wyndham shows its colours for the first time after its deal with Grand City – this week, the two groups announced the re-branding of 17 additional hotels. Now, Ruby Hotels is coming out of the woods as well, a new brand of Michael Struck who wants to elevate Budget Design one step up to "Lean Luxury". A budget evolution seems to be looming on the horizon.
Nearly unnoticed by most people, the large chains have tightened their conditions for loyalty programmes – a consequence from the crisis. Macy Marvel, Economy Professor at the Ecôle hôtelière de Lausanne, analysed these programmes in detail and collected many figures about the mega chains and their activities in this segment. He asks the question: are these programmes actually more than a necessary evil?
Ritz-Carlton appreciates Europe, but is expanding elsewhere. At least, this was the impression Susanne Stauss had after a conversation with Europe's Head Walia Sandeep. Apart from that, the luxury subsidiary of Marriott seems to be meandering along...
In Vienna, a new boutique hotel opened at a top location but does not want to affiliate with any consortium. Generally speaking, consortia are growing further as revealed by a ranking. A Spanish consortium has now become the largest in the world.
Last week, our India correspondent Hoihnu Hauzel talked about the important infrastructure status for the hotel industry. Yesterday, government approved and signed the status file! So, realisation can start soon.
We will meet some of you at Expo Real; and those, who are unable to visit Europe's largest property and investment trade show can browse in our new hospitalityInside SPECIAL EXPO REAL online, which we present to all users on page 1 today. Take a look at the eMagazine and you will see who is present from the hospitality industry. Trade fair visitors are invited to pick up a printed copy of the glossy magazine at the joint stand "World of Hospitality", at the hotel conference or at the stands of our partners. For the first time, the special is also available in all hotels of our trade fair partners in Munich.
Until next Friday with the most important news and reactions from the Expo Real... – The full editorial …

Dear Insiders,
Choice Hotels continue to support their franchisees with new and practical tools. From a strategic perspective though, the large US franchisor still doesn't have the right drive for a sweeping expansion into Europe. Competitive pressures are increasing so managers are questioning locations, standards and contracts for Europe, and in particular for Germany.
I attended Choice's Europe Convention for the third time, this time in Dublin. Shortly afterwards, our correspondent Sarah Douag interviewed the Vice President Choice Europe in Paris and also talked about France where the chain has most franchisees in continental Europe.
In Germany, online services such as Airbnb offering private holiday rentals and accommodation are referred to as "the grey hotel industry". In the international parlance, they are referred to as peer-to-peer websites. Meanwhile, their business models are being analysed and criticised and individual cities are taking rigorous action. Nevertheless, ever new models are being created, especially in the US - including the direct rental of entire villas. Macy Marvel takes a look at the international scene, presents the problems and explains reactions and new models.
It's rare that we busy ourselves with India. Over the next few days, the government there will decide on whether the hotel industry be given infrastructure status. This would make life easier for the industry in many areas, including the finance and purchase of hotels. This national decision will also impact on the development of international chains.
After the general election in Germany, Otto Lindner and others are beginning to wonder about the future of the reduced VAT rate applied to the hotel industr; last minute provider Hoteltonight continues to grow and HRS Chief Tobias Ragge has again expressed his views on the Cartel Office in a small talk round. – The full editorial…

Dear Insiders,
Blackstone is likely to have been happy about the global PR generated last week as Hilton announced its IPO. Hardly anyone asked any questions. The fact is though, that only five percent of Hilton's total value is to be offered to market. In the background then, Blackstone will retain control. Our contribution takes a closer look at the issue and takes down some of the media hype. It's disillusioning.
Employers are also likely to be more sober in future when they provide references for departing staff. Thanks contrary to the employer's own sentiments does not now have to be expressed on reference letters. The German Federal Labour Court has spoken.
For Sonnenhotels, the sun is shining again: The family company has fought its way out of the economic shade. Now, growth is again on the cards. An example from our "Small Chains" series.
And finally, a pet issue: Even the dog is a guest. Resorts welcome dogs, though business hotels are still reluctant, experts criticise. Savvy tourism experts in Austria again prove they have a good nose: They founded the consortium "Tierische Hotels".
Apart from that: Scandic has founded a second chain for Northern Europe, GBI has convinced IHG and Hilton to undertake a double project and the Swiss are travelling more, but making shorter trips and less at home. – The full editorial …

Dear Insiders,
Yesterday's last news is hot news: Hilton Worldwide offically announced to return to stock exchange. The company has filed a registration statement with the Securities and Exchange Commission for a proposed IPO. Owner Blackstone hopes to generate proceeds up to 1.25 billion USD as the IPO proposal revealed. In 2007, before the worldwide financial crisis started Blackstone bought Hilton for 26.7 billion USD and took the company private. This was an all-time record, the IPO again would be a record.  Next spring will become exciting then...
Just a few weeks ago, we reported on "big data". German Linder Hotel reports on how it is focusing on the mountain of data it holds and how it wishes to turn this to its advantage: It combines, quite legally, the data on its bonus programme clients with their profiles on Facebook etc. and so gains a range of new information for new measurable promotions.
Are there more lawyers on a hotel construction sites than construction workers? You could certainly get this impression from our article this week on rising construction costs. Architects and project managers confirm the increasing pressure in construction - to which even the banks contribute!
Less exciting is the "Morning Newspaper" or "Hotel Newspaper". Holiday guests like to know what the weather will be like and what they can do. Yet printed information in time for breakfast can also be expensive, despite advances in software.
Our Swiss correspondent Birgitt Wuest has looked at Hotel News over recent weeks and can report that demand in the Swiss hotel industry has stabilised in the first half of 2013. In Paris, government again plan to raise taxes for luxury hotels only. And in Germany, politicians don't have a clue of the frame conditions of the tourism industry.
And finally, we would like to say that, at the last minute, a further co-exhibitor has registered for the joint stand organised by HospitalityInside at Expo Real at the beginning of October: the British budget chain Premier Inn. This brings the number of hotel groups at the stand to 11, and the total number of co-exhibitors to 18. We are pleased to see how the joint stand raises the industry's international profile at Europe's leading real estate and investment event. – The full editorial …