Dear Insiders, The subject of "mobile devices" is busying the hotel industry more and more. The talk round at the ITB hotel conference took a look at such devices and, in particular, at the "Apps". The summary accessible to all in our Network section.I also recommend the interview with Marcus Nussbaum from prizeotel: He's among the young managers who have said goodbye to expensive distribution systems such as GDS and catalogue distributers. He focuses on online platforms, social media and mobile devices. "We push everything that secures us the highest contribution margins from the rate!" he clearly says.Tour operators in Germany, Austria and Switzerland presently speak with one voice: Bookings for summer 2010 are up! The trend is particularly strong for more expensive hotels and all-inclusive offers. Nevertheless, the tour operators claim that hoteliers are not taking full advantage of the distribution potential.The German Hotel Association also announced yesterday: The downward spiral has been stopped! But companies such as Victoria-Jungfrau Collection reported red figures for 2009 this week. Hot of the press this morning: Carlson and Rezidor officially confirmed the sale of Regent Hotels to a group in Taipei. Details under News Mix. Further interesting news: The Concorde hotel takeover has collapsed, and in Austria hotels must now adhere to a new sun-bed ban for minors.Many of you create proximity to guests by "corporate publishing" – e.g. by customer magazines. These magazines move closer to guest lifestyles. This sensitive communication channel needs professional partners such as balleywasl* brand communication which today gives a best practice example – accessible by everyone – on "Solutions". - The full editorial...
