News & Stories

Berlin. The rate of VAT applicable to overnight stays in the German hotel industry is to be reduced by 12 percent effective as of 1 January 2010. The sector is very pleased and relieved at the success which comes thanks to the persistent efforts of the German Hotel and Restaurant Assocation Dehoga and the Hotel Association Germany. Now, investments are to be made in hotels and their staff. The move also provides an opportunity to plug the financial holes which have grown in size in the crisis-buffeted industry. For hotels in border regions to countries where a lower VAT rate applies, competitive disadvantages will be smoothed. The catering industry, however, will not benefit from the reduction.

Salzburg. After a decade of two-digit growth, the Austrian Einkaufsgenossenschaft Hogast is currently idling at the previous year's level - despite increasing membership figures. Hoteliers are holding back in terms of purchase.

Bonn. For a short while, eight former Telekom conference hotels with a total of 1,552 rooms have operated in Germany under the name "Commundo Tagungshotels". It's hoped than the new name will break down barriers to the hotels and that demand will increase from external companies as well as from private overnight guests. In spite of the crisis in the meeting market, the group expects to record sales growth this year.

Berlin. Joseph A. Michelli is used to success. That can be said with confidence about the author of "The Starbuck's Secret" which sold 400,000 copies and made global bestseller lists. All the more sobering it was then, that it took him a whole year to win Ritz-Carlton's trust. After that, he was able to write "the" Ritz Carlton book: "The New Gold Standard". The title sounds banal, but whoever knows the luxury chain also knows: Its philosophy is anything but banal and for this reason difficult to copy. Dr Joseph A. Michelli from Colorado Springs was previously not particular well acquainted with hotels. Now, he's a hardcore luxury hotel and service fan. In an interview in Berlin, he spoke about his Ritz-Carlton research. Insider reading which appears right on cue: Amidst a world financial and economic crisis, for many, the quality promise is the hotel chain's only chance of survival.

Amsterdam/Turracherhoehe. The contrast couldn’t be greater: in Amsterdam, a woman and a team of seven controlled communication with 102,000 employees of Shell distributed across 100 countries and to the remotest drilling platforms until September 2009. On the other side, the idyll of Carinthia in Austria is the home of a 110-room spa hotel with 110 employees who all have direct personal contact to their General Manager. Both companies have thoroughly structured communication. But what are the most successful "channels"? An unusual comparison between the language of a(n) group and a family.

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.