News & Stories

Brussels/Berlin. Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide intends to open 50 new hotels in Europe, the Middle East and Africa. The Sheraton brand especially will be given new life, whereas the design brand W and its little sister aloft will conquer new markets and their concepts will be adjusted more than ever to the respective location.

Berlin. The Spanish hotel chain Sol Meliá was able to successfully overcome the crisis. Gabriel Escarrer Jaume, Co Vice Chairman and CEO of the group, reported on the business's current plans at the ITB Berlin. The expansion in Europe is mainly focused on Germany and Italy.

Munich. The changeover to better figures for 2010 has been proved by the figures of renowned consultancies. According to these, occupancy will increase significantly in Europe; however, the rates will still partially continue to decline.

Augsburg. The keyword "News Mix" will bring to you tiny bits of news about considerable events of the past week(s): angelo/Katowice, art'otel/Cologne, Commerz Real/Motel One, Club Med/Orascom, GCC, Hilton/Omsk, Jumeirah/Maldives, LB Immo Invest/B&B, Peninsula/Shanghai, Scandic/Finland, RCI, Starwood Capital/Extended Stay, Whitbread/Emaar, YTL/Japan.

Berlin. Dusit International is coming to Europe with the first project already planned. Choice increases its support for franchisees. The Global Hotel Alliance and the Star Alliance are joining together with a unique loyalty programme, Leonardo will open up to franchise, Maritim possibly won't go to China, Moevenpick discusses a contract extension and The Leading Hotels announce ambitious revenue targets. News from ITB events and chats.

Paris. The current European hotel group ranking is marked by two major mergers: Louvre Hotels with Golden Tulip and NH Hoteles with Hesperia, in turn boosting each group’s position and into the top five. Meanwhile, Accor remains Europe’s leading group, whilst Best Western moves into second spot.

Frankfurt. News surrounding the budget isn't slowing: On the fringes of the ITB, Meininger Hotels announced a further hotel for Frankfurt Airport.

Berlin. Just on time for the ITB, the first German easyHotel opened in Berlin. People can stay here for 25 euros per night. In this way, the expansion in Continental Europe is continuing: the developers are planning ten hotels in Germany alone.

Kiel. Stability – but not for everyone. That is the short summary of the current status quo of German holiday travel demand. Despite the current economical crisis the passion of the world travel champions' did not decline. The current trends, published at ITB.

London. On average hotel values across Europe, measured in euro, showed a fall in value of 13%. On average over the past two years hotel values across Europe have fallen by close to 25%. In terms of hotel transactions, European hotel investment activity in 2009 fell still further, by around 50% - a drop of more than 85% on the volumes of 2007.