News & Stories

Frankfurt. USALI, the abbreviation for Uniform System of Accounts for the Lodging Industry, is an internationally accepted accounting system and has become a standard system in the hotel industry. This image is so fixed among investors that they actually overlook new details. Hotel consultants seek details more often and therefore one of these consultants wants to point out slight differences concerning "GOP". It cannot always be compared to "IBFC" or "adjusted GOP".

Berlin. Unsettled travellers, over-stretched hoteliers, annoyed travel managers: After 15 years of discussions, it seems that no-one had really expected Germany's hotel industry to be granted a reduction in VAT rates, despite many positive political signals to the contrary. The move came quite literally overnight. For hotel stays, the applicable VAT rate was reduced from 19 to 7 percent; for catering services, the rate stayed at 19 percent. The surprise was perfect, and the ensuing chaos large – both on part of the hotels as well as corporate clients. Between the decision to reduce VAT rates and the entry into force of the new rules were only 13 days, including the Christmas break. The German Ministry of Finance came under enormous pressure to publish guidelines to accompany the change. In the first run-up, the "tax break" provided by federal government caused much upheaval in the sector. At the annual conference of the German Travel Management Association in Berlin just two weeks ago, all those affected discussed the change and its implementation with unusual frankness. Industrial associations promised to speak more with each other prior to such changes in future. A summary of the chaos.

Vienna. The Austrian Hotelier Association examined online ranking portals taking regional criteria into account for the first time. Austria's hotels receive special credit: they have been rated above average, independently of their prices.

Salzburg. On April 30, 2010, which marks the end of the business year 2009, Austria's leading purchasing association for the hotel and restaurant industry Hogast had to forego increases in turnover for the first time.

Cologne. Worn mattresses are the number one sleeping killer for hotel guests. Some travellers are even willing to pay more for a comfortable bed. This has been revealed by a study about bed and bathroom.

Wiesbaden. Airport hotels rub their hands and others benefit from high guest volumes: The Icelandic volcano Eyjafjallajökull has sent the European tourism industry into a spin over the last week. Dealing with the unusual situation is a challenge for the hotel industry. How have hoteliers reacted to cancellations for "force majeure"? What are they charging guests who have been forced to extend their stays? The Austrians have been cool: They compare the situation experienced over recent weeks to that of ski destinations which have in the past been cut off by avalanches. hospitalityInside.com asked hoteliers in Germany, Austria and Switzerland for their views.

Frankfurt. USALI, the Uniform System of Accounts for the Lodging Industry and internationally recognised accounting system, has become a standard throughout the hospitality industry. This image has become fixed in the minds of many investors causing them to overlook new updates. Hotel consultants often take a closer look, which is why one of them wants to hint at some new details in connection with cap clauses.

Munich/Salzburg. Guests vent their anger about bathrooms and food on the internet. TrustYou, a search engine for internet evaluations, reveals the painful consequences of negative ratings. Most criticism is focussed on the room. An old wisdom proves its worth: Negative comments have greater impact than positive ones. Austria's hotels intend to counter the effect.

Berlin. In a "cat-and-mouse" encounter of the merits of "chained over unchained" and "branded over unbranded", an animated debate at this year’s International Hotel Investment Forum in Berlin prior to ITB resulted in something of a stalemate between representatives of each side of the equation. This is not to say that the session, ably moderated by Michael Hirst of CBRE Hotels, was not lively or impassioned.

Bad Laasphe/Arolsen. As expected, the Ramada Hotel Bad Laasphe closed its doors on January 28, 2010. Now it is for sale. The most recent quarrel between the parties before the regional court of Siegen has not clarified the situation.