Dear Insider,

Trump is trampling the world underfoot - and is tourism a good kick too. From the three intensively researched opening articles this week, each full of facts, figures and expert commentary, we learn that everyone should remain flexible. Elastic like a rubber band. Canadian hotels have already lost 2.1 billion dollars in revenue. People still want to travel, yes, but they are worried and there’s a rising sense of insecurity. A fifth of Americans have already cancelled their trips due to rising prices for flights and accommodation. Customs duties are causing even more problems for companies, hotel buildings are becoming more expensive, and the employee drama remains. AI is already far enough along to help you to re-filter your target guest groups.

Sarah Douag describes the plight and gives tips in the article "USA bookings tumble". And in her further contribution on sustainable innovations, she shows that European CEOs in particular will maintain their decarbonisation targets - this is more sustainable than uncontrolled political action. The first companies are already reporting increased revenues following climate-related investments. Incidentally, there is a platform on which companies, cities and governments can voluntarily enter their environmental data.

Trump's campaign against the climate and ESG remains unbelievable. Since 2023, one Washington-based foundation has been listing which executive orders have caused global harm. The planned abolition of the DEI guidelines (diversity, equality and inclusion) would severely affect the hotel industry around the world. Macy Marvel lists in detail what else can damage the industry. The first lawsuits against the US administration are now rolling in.

After reading this, head out to look for Easter eggs with your children and grandchildren, take a deep breath and then devote yourself to our colourful, thoroughly positive reports.

Tourism in Turkey is booming, Nepal's leading hotel group with seven hotels is now planning to open 30 new hotels in Europe. The Wellness Hotels (WH-R) and the fitness giant EGYM have entered an unusual marketing cooperation, with a win-win for both sides. The health mega-trend continues, but hotels are also missing out on opportunities, as a Spa Competence Circle has discovered.

In our News Mix and VIP news, things remain even more colourful at Easter, and according to the balance sheets, Scandic Hotels and the Grand Resort Bad Ragaz Group will also have to remain flexible. On our Marketplace, we will briefly bring you back to more serious matters: Switzerland struggles with employee housing; rip-offs cause confusion with the first ETA applications; insolvencies in Germany continue to rise. And there's more: Apparently, more and more restaurateurs want to ban lazy laptop junkies from their premises. Motel One is expanding its loyalty programme according to the motto "Save instead of collect", and Venice is charging "€10 or no entry" just in time for Easter. Does this really reduce overtourism? Why not stay in a floating hotel in Cardiff?

Our next issue will be published on 2 May; we will also be taking an Easter break for a week (the office will be staffed again from April 28). But please don't forget us - and take a look at the program of our HITT Think Tank at the end of May. It's really worth it. Reliable and first-hand information is exactly what you need in these turbulent times.

Yours, Maria Pütz-Willems
Editor-in-Chief