News & Stories

Munich. Collaboration between operators and investors still starts much too late in the hospitality industry. Operators are often left holding the baby, when a more sustainable construction would have reduced their costs. In this respect, the industry lacks independent, competent planning experts. The "Investments & Technology: Why is it so difficult to add value?" panel discussion at the "Hospitality Industry Dialogue", the hotel conference at Expo Real, on October 5, revealed the weak spots of this relationship. The demand of taking up involved construction companies on their financial duties did not meet with undivided approval.

Augsburg. Ab 2012 müssen auch Hotels an die EU berichten, wieviel CO2 ihr Unternehmen spart. Höchste Zeit also, sich mit dem Thema Energie im Hotel auseinander zusetzen. Das Auf und Ab der Ölpreise in den vergangenen Jahren und die aktuelle Wirtschaftskrise haben die meisten Hoteliers ohnehin schon zu Energiesparmassnahmen gezwungen, doch längst nicht jeder geht diesen Kostenblock strategisch an. Einige Ketten(hotels) tun es - und schalten sogenannte

Augsburg. Despite all bomb attacks, thefts and break-ins: hotel operators are unwilling for the most part to invest more money in their hotels for security. Investors often stonewall the entire issue from the beginning. Experts shake their heads regarding this lack of risk sensitivity. Finally, when push comes to shove, it is about the life of guests and employees, integrity of property, protection of security processes and avoidance of long-term image loss.

Wiesbaden. The terrorist threat for hotels is increasing. This year alone, terrorist attacks have caused several deaths in Indonesia and Pakistan. The security technology and training market is in motion. In Germany, experts are developing a particularly secure type of hotel. The London-based consultancy Frost & Sullivan found out: There have been terrorist attacks on hotels for more than 100 years. Hotels are considered soft targets that are a lot more vulnerable than other buildings with comparable frequency. In addition: terrorist attacks on hotels belonging to international chains generate more media impact than threatening local buildings. The police are unable to protect hotels, which is why extensive private measures have to be taken.

London. As Chairman and Chief Executive of The Rocco Forte Collection, Sir Rocco presides over an ever-expanding European network of luxury hotels. With a small management team, Rocco himself undertakes a gruelling schedule of ensuring that the 11 hotels maintain the high service levels expected of any RF Collection property. hospitalityInside's UK correspondent Gillian Upton met Sir Rocco in London for an update.

Berlin. "Meininger - the urban traveller's home" is the motto the ho(s)tels of the Meininger Group in Berlin are using. The new name signifies a move away from the hostel towards a hotel. Meanwhile, Meininger isn't just present in Germany, but also in international cities such as London and Vienna and will soon also be in Amsterdam. Today, the group counts nine hotels, with a further five in the starting blocks. Meininger is one of the most successful low budget hotel groups.

Vienna. It was the starring hour in star history: As recently reported, Austria and Germany have agreed on a joint star classification system which will apply as of 1 January 2010. Even Switzerland is on board, but will implement the changes later. The minimum criteria used up to now were extended to form a mixed system. Details were presented by the hotel associations last Tuesday in the Viennese Grand Hotel. 170 years after the "father of the stars", Karl Baedeker, began to distinguish travel destinations with stars, the German, Austrian and Swiss hotel classification system has been unified.

Munich. Wolfgang M. Neumann, CEO of the Arabella Hospitality Group in Munich since mid April, is still sounding out the situation. Internally, he took an initial strategic decision in connection with the much discussed "Arabella Collection".

Wiesbaden. In the election year 2009, the subject of taxes has Germany in its grips. Despite all the efforts of the German Hotel and Restaurant Association though, a VAT reduction for the hotel industry remains doubtful.

 

Bern/Salzburg. Even the Swiss luxury hotel industry hasn't managed to escape the grasp of the economic crisis. Swiss Deluxe Hotels, with 38 five star hotels Switzerland's leading luxury hotel association, will publish concrete figures next week. Certain is that in the first three months of 2009, accommodation and sales figures fell everywhere. Projections for the current year are cautious. In Austria, it seems the problem is simply being ignored and hoteliers refuse to comment, at least to the press.