News & Stories

Bremen. The parent company is a German international construction giant, but the hotel group spans a mere 16 hotels. But the 13 Atlantic Hotels and their three sisters under independent brands are not just a simple hobby for Zech Group, the Bremen-based construction firm. Quite the opposite: The family business, which has been on the market for over 100 years, is ready to invest and so earn – more – money with it. The flagship hotels are the Grand Hotel Atlantic in Bremen and the luxury resort Severin's on Sylt. The Atlantic brand in the 4-star segment will soon be accompanied by a smart lifestyle counterpart situated in the budget segment. Managing Director Markus Griesenback allows a look behind the scenes.

Berlin. Every quarter, online surveys with tourism service providers are to actively initiate and accompany change processes in German tourism. After all, 77% of those currently surveyed see digitalisation as the central starting point for change. On the other hand, it is striking that Quality Improvement is rated so low and that Employee Satisfaction takes last place. The German Federal Tourism Competence Centre has set itself the task of acting as a market and trend radar for the sector.

Frankfurt. The Radisson Blu logo now also features the Chinese characters of the new brand owner Jing Jiang, and in the rooms, the instant noodle soup heralds the new era. The Vice Chairman of Jin Jiang International, Chen Liming, and Radisson CEO Federico J. González travelled to Frankfurt for the launch of the global co-branding. The details.

Stuttgart. There's no shrill wallpaper, no egg-shaped designer armchairs and no billiard table in the lobby. All the same, the new Essential by Dorint near Stuttgart Airport has got off to a great start. The reason is presumably its unagitated concept; a straightforwardness which sets it apart from ten other Select Service Hotels in the neighbourhood. The story behind this only reveals itself slowly. One part of it is Food & Beverage, another a real, already lively neighbourhood element. Dorint Hotels & Resorts wants to expand in the midscale segment with this type of hotel.

Wiesbaden. In the highly fragmented German market with small and medium-sized enterprises, the young Halbersbacher Hospitality Group is revving up – as franchisee and operator. "We are a small, courageous group that takes over properties, which allegedly do not work," states founder and CEO Arne Mundt explaining the business concept, referring to private hotels in C and D locations. And there are still many "hidden champions". The expansion takes place via the two own brands Halbersbacher and Twice, as well as via a partnership with Dorint Hotels & Resorts. By the end of 2020, Mundt plans for about 20 hotels and 1,500 rooms under his roof, which should generate at least 30 million in revenues.

Milan. Sir Rocco Forte, Founder and Chairman of The Rocco Forte Collection, will continue to focus on the traditional travel agents. He will intensify investments in the Italian market which are expected to become the company's most important source of business. All that coupled with no fear of any Brexit epilogue, which the English businessman of Italian origin strongly regards as the best possible solution for the United Kingdom. Massimiliano Sarti met him at the event venue Martini Terrazza in Milan, during the presentation of his group's current ambitious plans in Italy.

Wiesbaden. The digital era has driven astounding change: All day long, people have their gaze fixed on mobile devices, oblivious to their immediate surroundings. In the evening, their wishes turn to the other extreme. They want contact with others. Suddenly everyone's looking for their "community". Co-working spaces that fail to offer "community building" are no longer in line with the times. Start-ups in the field of co-working and co-living are flourishing, and are even setting up brands for action communities. The special touch: Beds right next to the "hot desk", also in a room with four others. Because it's cheaper. Co-working in itself, on closer consideration, is quite an expensive pleasure. Of the lifestyle hotel groups, Ruby is right in there on the professional market, whilst 25hours takes a more sceptical view.

Amsterdam. If you have had enough of the Millennials, wait until you hear about their kids. The Alphas are digital natives who prefer a tablet to a dog, have a collaborative relationship with their parents and a great influence on where the family will go on holidays and what to do once at the destination. Not older than 9 years old, they go online to find answers and inspiration too. All their parents want is for them to be happy so they can relax. Wishful thinking one would say.

Geneva. Markus Semer's successor as Chief Executive Officer at the Kempinski Group is Martin Smura. This was confirmed by the luxury hotel group today; he will take over on July 1. 2019. The group will then be headed by a quite unknown person, who already made the headlines before this official company relesae and whose well-intentioned friends have just done him a disservice in the media. In the last few years, the German Martin Smura mainly worked as member of the supervisory board and promoted his own small hotel group. He has no experience as an executive on the corporate level. CFO Colin Lubbe is leaving together with Semer, as reported. A successor for him was not named today. Bernold Schroeder will remain in his functions on the Management Board and the Board of Directors.

Dublin/Munich. From Dublin via London to Continental Europe: The Irish Aparthotel operator Staycity is increasing its expansion pace. With its core brand Staycity and its premium brand Wilde by Staycity, the next step is to gain a reputation in Germany and France – and to cover 6.6% of the European apartment offer in five years' time. Co-Founder Tom Walsh is even venturing on a serviced apartment "resort". The continuing boom in the serviced apartment market also gives wings to the small providers.