News & Stories
New York. In the U.S., hotel construction is ramping up again, but the economy has begun to weaken. Figures prove: Tourists and international business travellers stay away; The average American can't afford a stay in New York any more. After the hype, massive problems arise for the hotel industry throughout the U.S. and especially for New York.
Baar. Now, Hapimag members are able to book holidays in South Africa. Thanks to the cooperation venture with the South African Club Leisure Group, selected resorts are available now. The cooperation between the two enterprises makes sense as the members benefit from a higher choice for their holidays and the companies do not raise their own risk.
Berlin. The international hotel consultancy Feuring and the real estate company Vivico want to offer services and consulting for hotel projects with newly founded Viador GmbH mainly in the German-speaking countries. In a first step, it is mainly projects of Vivico that are to be developed.
London. A British fund acquired a mixed portfolio in Germany, mainly consisting of hotels. One of them is the Hyatt Regency in Cologne.
Baar. A new Hapimag resort is now to be established near the world renowned Frauenkirche in Dresden. The building works are set to be challenge as the façade will be reconstructed true to the original façade of the British Hotel destroyed in 1945.
Brussels. At the beginning of June 2007, The European Commission presented a bill for new regulations for timeshare rights sending new shockwaves through the industry. In spite of awareness work undertaken by industry representative OTE, the Organisation for Timeshare in Europe, non-branch-relevant offers and products were included in the proposals. The awareness campaign surrounding the new directive failed at bureaucratic hurdles. The directive is intended to come into force in 2010 and regulates central elements of timeshare agreements such as cooling off period, the role of Travel Discount Membership Clubs and resale.
Geneva Christophe Piffaretti is no longer Managing Director of Kempinski Residences, Geneva. Last Monday, Jean-Claude Bailly relieved him of his duty as CEO of Kempinski Residences, himself assuming the position.
Sciacca/Sicily. Rocco Forte's planned Verdura International Golf Resort & Spa in Sicily was hailed as the start of a new epoch in golfing and as pioneer for at least ten further golf courses. Yet as construction works reach a bottle neck, environmental protection groups protest and architects demand six figure damage sums from Rocco Forte, things aren't looking too rosy.
Berlin. After its debut in Stockholm last year, "HI Design" took place at the InterContinental Berlin for the first time. "Hospitality Interior Design" provided a business meetings forum for those involved in all aspects of this specific industry. Design will remain an important factor in hot markets like Dubai or Moscow as well for strongly expanding companies like Rezidor. Panel discussions focussed on environmental issues in the design process.