News & Stories
Vienna. On Thursday, 28 May, the time had come: Two weeks after restaurants were allowed to open up again, the hotels are now allowed to open up and accommodate tourists again, respectively. An initial light at the end of the tunnel for resort hotels, which were overly well-booked during Whitsun, while both Vienna and Salzburg remained almost empty. Renowned hoteliers demand fundamental changes to ensure economic survival.
Vienna. Many attest the Austrian politicians to have token the right decisions in managing the Covid-19 infections. However, when it comes to financial aids for the hotel industry, the praise ends, as a current industry-wide survey shows. Michaela Reitterer, President of the Austrian Hotelier Association, does not hold back with her criticism. So far, mainly short-time work and tax deferral has helped, apart from that nothing. The pressure is growing: From 2021 onwards, most hotels will have diminishing investment powers.
Amsterdam. Tourist-free Amsterdam is more beautiful than ever. Locals enjoyed having their streets back during the lockdown and the city would like to keep it that way. At least while they are re-designing a more social, economic and ecologically sustainable tourism frame. With 29 million visitors expected in 2025, the mayor wants "the right kind" of visitors to come. Fewer coffee-shop enthusiasts and more history lovers. For hospitality entrepreneurs, it seems more urgent to welcome back tourists, all of them.
Hamburg. The Chinese are travelling again – within China at least. When will they return to Europe? Prof Wolfgang Arlt, who has been travelling China for 40 years and knows the culture like no other expects the Chinese to return to Europe in January at the latest. "But they will only come if they trust us," he adds. That's why it's now time to address this target group specifically and above all to convince them to come back – with hard facts as well as with playful elements. Kempinski China and Langham Hospitality also briefly describe the current situation.
Frankfurt. To find your feet in these unreal times is not easy. Thomas Willms, CEO of Deutsche Hospitality, just like his colleagues, is annoyed by the disproportionate response by the authorities, higher hygiene costs and more. He is cautious in getting the group back up and running, with the midscale brand Intercity Hotels leading the way. This segment was also the first to move forward for the new Chinese parent company, Huazhu. His forecast? All he can do is peer into the crystal ball. The next two years will bring little joy, not even for debt-free Deutsche Hospitality. The growth bubble has burst.
Berlin. Germany and some of its neighbours loosened individual borders on Tuesday, with other countries following suit today. On 15 June, travel controls are to be dropped. That is the plan – under one condition: The number of infections must remain low. The entire tourism industry will thus remain under immense pressure to survive. The associations press the SOS button together.
Munich. The shutdown has been imposed by the government, but the guests will decide about a successful re-start. At the same time, owners, operators and other stakeholders are asked to find common solutions. This is not easy. Prof. Dr. Werner Pauen, former Chief Financial Officer of Accor and Dorint, lecturer for real estate management today and sworn expert, sets discussions of the last weeks and positions straight objectively: about rents, government assistance, staff members, directives by authorities and zero profitability under the current circumstances…
Wiesbaden. In German-speaking Europe, the hotel industry is in full restart mode. Everyone is focused on just one issue: What are the best activities to get rooms full again and how can a decline in room rates be avoided? The bad guys here are once again the OTAs, who are themselves now also in hot water.
Vienna. Austria has been the first country in Europe to announce the re-start of its tourism and the hotel industry. This week, five federal states in Germany followed; the rules and discussions are similar. In the middle of it, there are the Falkensteiner Hotels & Residences, based in Vienna – the company originated in South Tyrol and grew from a family business to a group with 30 properties in seven European countries. Since 2019, the group has only focused on holiday resorts. Resorts will be the first properties to gather pace again. "However, we should throw some ballast overboard, start thinking new and stop dragging along old and unnecessary costs," says Falkensteiner's CEO Otmar Michaeler.
Berlin. The restart of German tourism was postponed again yesterday – without a date, without prospects. Chancellor Merkel and her state presidents are postponing decisions on the industry from week to week.