News & Stories
On Wednesday, 4 November 2026, the European Commission presented a new EU strategy for sustainable tourism aimed at boosting the sector's competitiveness, sustainability and resilience. However, the word strategy does not yet live up to its promise.
The German operator market remains under pressure; the gossip mill is working overtime. This also affects David Etmenan, founder and CEO of Novum Hospitality, which currently operates 136 hotels, 127 of which are in Germany. At Expo Real, he explained his strategy for navigating difficult times to Susanne Stauss.
Collapsed sales, millions to be refunded to the German economic stabilisation fund, key money to IHG, staff dismissals, and refugees in a new hotel… Novum's founder and CEO, David Etmenan, answers questions about the negative headlines and events over the past few weeks.
Scandic and Hilton intend to step up their collaboration in the Nordic countries once again. In Germany, Scandic plans to expand primarily under its core brand, according to the Head of Development in an interview at Expo Real.
Mid-week, Kempinski employees, GMs and ultimately the owners gradually learned of Barbara Muckermann's departure. In China, a physical meeting was held with BTG. René Nijhof is now taking the helm in Operations.
The grand plans presented by Gorgeous Smiling Hotels (GSH) exactly one year ago could not be implemented as quickly as expected. Now, the course has been set. Among other things, the new strategy involves switching from full service to tech-hotels with less service and fewer staff. Managing Director Andreas Erben provides the details.
Wyndham Hotels & Resorts has absorbed charges totalling approximately $160 million following the insolvency of the Revo Hospitality Group. Despite the setback, Dimitris Manikis, Wyndham's President EMEA, is already rebuilding the lost franchise business, with a sharp and renewed focus on Germany.
The traditional German Grand Hotel, Hessischer Hof in Frankfurt, retains its character, but the multicultural Taj brand adds a cosy flair. The luxury brand of Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL) draws guests with Indian haute cuisine and an exclusive club.
Five days after the European Commission proposed rules to restrict short-term rentals, Airbnb opened a multi-billion-dollar housing fund. The short-term rental (STR) platform calls it an answer to the housing crisis, but the timing suggests another reason.
Whilst former Kempinski employees and consultants are discussing the luxury hotel group’s current predicament on LinkedIn, the Board of Directors has now appointed a new CFO, following the appointment of a new developer. It is unclear whether CEO Barbara Muckermann is still in post.