News & Stories
The travellers' changed mindset after the pandemic bestowed Minor, as well as others, with the best business year of all times in 2023. And Dillip Rajakarier, Group CEO of Minor International (MINT) and CEO of Minor Hotels, keeps the wheels turning in the constantly growing hotel group. The NH and Minor brands are blending more and more and new brands are to emerge in addition. An update.
The patina has faded, a new era is dawning. After almost two years of renovation works, the historic Schloss Fuschl in Salzburger Land is now known as Rosewood Schloss Fuschl. With the ultra-luxury operator, the hotel jewel is now catching up with the international resort industry. At the same time, it is opening to the locals.
With 16 hotels and apartment buildings, Seetelhotels is the top dog and largest employer on the popular German vacation island of Usedom. The privately managed hotel group is battling bureaucracy, costs and corona virus just as much as the chains. Rolf Seelige-Steinhoff is one of Germany's model entrepreneurs; he himself is a good networker, a keen analyst, a critic of politics - and a long-distance runner.
Sustainability has emerged as a critical priority for the hospitality industry, where ESG practices are under increasing scrutiny. Radisson Hotel Group is at the forefront of this movement, leveraging science-based data to improve sustainability across its operations. Inge Huijbrechts, Global Senior VP of Sustainability and Security, about Radisson's data-driven strategies, and the challenges.
The Berlin-based HR Group (HRG) continues to grow. The acquisition of 34 hotels, including two Centro Holding projects and Centro Hotel Management GmbH, was completed on 1 June.
Through an investment in Ennismore, the term Lifestyle Hotels found a permanent place in Accor, Europe's largest hotel chain. 17 brands, from Hoxton and 25hours to (Sofitel's) SO/, are now part of this division, which sells experiences. The big driver is Food & Beverage. It's not an easy business, says Gaurav Bhushan, Co-CEO Ennismore and CEO Lifestyle & Leisure Brands, looking back on the first three years.
Marriott International is increasing its luxury segment with safari lodges and luxury yachts. In the midscale segment, the chain is spicing up the Express version of the Four Points brand in particular and is engaging in a balancing act between franchise and affiliation. EMEA remains key, says Satya Anand, President EMEA of Marriott International, in an interview with us. He still sees a lot of potential around the globe.
Yotel opened its newest hotel in Founex, Switzerland in April. The property is a bit of an experiment in several ways. The 237- key Yotel Geneva Lake, has been launched as a new destination in and of itself, explains the group's CEO, Hubert Viriot. It combines Yotel's minimalist design with a Nordic hygge feeling.
The demand for Serviced Apartments continues to rise sharply, said Falkensteiner CEO Otmar Michaeler in Vienna this week. It will drive the hotel group's strategy, with the next latest Premium Living product at its own destination resort Punta Skala in Croatia.
Bob W. has now established itself as a digital affine hotel alternative in the European market. The venture capital rounds, brand promises and strategies are similar to those of the digital alternatives. And yet the Finnish company is looking for other USPs with more hospitality themes and sustainability. However, this may also mean having to deliver even more.