Dear Insiders,
For four weeks now, the "Macron Law" has been in force in France which gives hoteliers back their freedom over OTAs. By act of law, old contracts are rendered invalid and the hotel must come to a new agreement with the OTA. Booking.com obviously hasn't understood this though and has simply sent a contract supplement. You can read the letter sent to hoteliers here - cheek! Sarah Douag explains why this approach is unlawful and how the hoteliers can fight back.
That the air for OTAs is getting thinner and that they must become more creative is also seen in a decision by HRS. It will invest a high seven-figure sum in a start-up whose app makes digital check-in/check-out and payment a reality. In Sardinia, regional authorities have demanded subsidies back from 30 hotels - a total of EUR 35 million. This has put medium-sized hotels under enormous pressure. A grotesque story from a chaotic country.
aloft has an upbeat story to tell: On Tuesday, Starwood Hotels officially presented its midscale lifestyle baby in Munich. Yesterday it was Stuttgart's turn. This is the aloft premiere for Germany. I was there in Munich. The location is top, and the concept in theory too.
Bavaria's capital remains attractive - also for small groups. Quite unnoticed by the Munich scene, an Austrian brand has taken residence directly before the city tram and underground station of Moosach: Harry's Home. A mix of hotel and apartment hotel here.
The Austrian hoteliers are creative: Now, Florian Weitzer has launched a new product in Vienna in the Imperial and Royal style with Leberkas and Champagne. For the backpacker and the hipster... Again a new facet.
Youth travel is booming, and a report on providers in this price-sensitive segment today shows how ancillary earnings can be increased here. And in a reader's letter today, Prof. Christian Buer predicts that young travellers will stay away from Barcelona if new stylish hotel projects are put on ice. He gives other negative examples.
Participants of the Cornell German Chapter Meeting last Saturday saw what forces this eccentric and colourful industry can unleash. At the Annual Meeting, they all listened attentively to stories from Munich top caterers and hoteliers and were given insight into Gen Y and management. The summary can be found on our page 1. – The full editorial …
