News & Stories
Dubai. Modesty is not one of Dubai`s strong points, and the current financial crisis certainly hasn`t changed that. A new chain `The Address Hotels & Resorts` opened its first hotel last October with two more properties set to follow in April and May 2009. In ten years, that is, by 2019, the chain intends to open between 80 and 100 top "Addresses" around the globe. Behind The Address is the large Dubai real estate developer Emaar - the company that built the world`s largest tower, the Burj. Rumours that Emaar may itself become a casualty of the current crisis and fall victim to a hostile takeover bid are unheard of in Dubai. An interview with the German speaking Chief Operating Officer of the Group, Christoph Mares.
Augsburg. Every second guest with Marriott is a "collector", Hyatt sees 40 percent of its guests checking in with their point account. The bonus programmes of the large hotel chains are among the most attractive to travellers. And small wonder: hotel groups with a large number of hotels at their disposal can offer the greatest selection. Last autumn, Accor increased competition for guests: Accor guests can now win points in 2-star hotels. A Cornell report continues to look upon such points programmes with scepticism.
Mumbai. The Taj hotel group has drawn conclusions from the heavy terrorist attacks aimed at the Taj Mahal Mumbai last November. The security measures are being improved. The Oberoi Group, also affected by the attacks with the Trident Hotel Mumbai, has created a foundation for the victims. Both hotels have opened again partially.
Frankfurt. Contrary to all the rumours of sale this autumn, management of the Steigenberger Hotel Group yesterday presented the Company Strategy 2013+. At the centre of the strategy are the goals of expansion, yield increase and maintenance of the company`s leading role in quality. At the same time, the CEO announced an intention to open 35 hotels by 2013 and to drop 10 from the Steigenberger brand. A new introduction will be the "Grandhotel" label which will be added for example to Steigenbeger Frankfurter Hof.
Vienna. Energy efficiency, sustainability, individuality as well as authentic culture and health are the success factors of the hotel industry of tomorrow. These were the findings of a new study entitled "future hotel - the future of the hotel industry". Anyone intending to play up front in the tourism of the future should focus on energy efficient construction and holiday experiences which reflect the demands of the health conscious and environmentally sensitive guest.
Meran. On 1st December 2008, the online portal of the new hotel consortium "Relais und Alpen" was launched. The consortium consists of six hotels in South Tyrol and one in Berchtesgadener Land, Germany. Hotels in Austria are to follow shortly. Consortium founder, Christa Leopold brings decade-long experience in tourism as well as fully new quality demands with her.
Mumbai/Munich.
The terror attacks in India's metropolis Mumbai put the crisis management of the hotel chains involved to the acid test. The challenge was mastered in differing degrees of ability. But the attacks should entail consequences for all hotels: crisis management should be put to the test now at the latest! The dramatic happenings are a model lesson in terms of crisis communications for hotels. Google shows the importance: The search enginge lists about 337,000 hits for Taj Mahal only. 
