Dear Insiders,
From a journalistic perspective, the ITB 2014 brought no mega news; as a networking platform and place of inspiration though, the world's biggest tourism fair is still able to impress. I wanted to be inspired by a speech entitled "The World 2025" at the Future Day. I returned with goose pimples. Do you wish to see the world in 10 years time through a chip lens and move to full digital control?
The fun factor can motivate, as Ross Harding made clear on the CEO Panel at the "ITB Hospitality Day": The new arrival on the sustainability scene sensitises hoteliers and guests to his cause through parties, amongst other things. Luxury hotelier Bernhard Bohnenberger and Six Senses Resorts have been living luxury and sustainability for years in creative ways. Non-subscribers can also read this article on our Page 1 under "Network" along with the coming summaries of the talkrounds at the 9th ITB hotel conference. This service is provided exclusively by hospitalityInside.
Our article on Steigenberger Hotels today shows, as part of our sustainability series, which concepts classic hotel groups are using in their sustainability drives.
ITB travel analyses reveal: German travellers are obviously difficult to stop, and the Chinese set new emphases. Countries now relaxing their visa requirements - Dubai, India and three African states - now expect a veritable tourist boom. The EU intends to make a statement in this regard next week.
In the hotel market, restructuring and consolidation is meanwhile increasing: Suddenly interest from big names has been announced for a national Italian chain, and the Swiss main shareholder of Victoria-Jungfrau Collection would obviously like to have even more shares. Technology is also a prominent topic - though more on this and on other topics in the following editions. We've certainly brought enough home to think about.
For hospitalityInside and its 3rd joint stand "World of Hospitality", the trade fair in Berlin was again extremely motivating and inspirational. As was the 1st luxury trade fair "Loop" in Frankfurt to which I hurried as soon as the ITB finished. Today's edition provides only a short outline of the later event - more on all that next week.
The mood at the ITB 2014 was good to very good and provides hope for a strong tourism year. Hopefully that will put you too in a good mood! – The full editorial…
