News & Stories

Beijing/Brussels. The Chinese conglomerate HNA keeps on selling assets and is exiting the hospitality world by the back door. On the other hand, Chinese conglomerate Jin Jiang is on the rise with the acquisition of Radisson Hospitality but will face problems with the integration phase. To talk about the rise and fall of HNA and the low-profile strategy adopted by Jin Jiang, hospitalityInside.com contacted several experts in Asia, but they all declined to answer questions involving the words "Chinese government". Nonetheless, we found ourselves an expert based in Europe who was willing to talk 'but off the record'. The background of this Chinese chess is highly interesting and raises further questions about what's left on the market for other Western chains under investment pressure.

Madrid/New York. Amadeus takes over rival TravelClick for 1.52 billion dollars. The deal will significantly expand Amadeus' presence in the hospitality sector. Bad news for Sabre that, up to now, had an edge on Amadeus when it comes to serving hotels.

Florence. The Scottish entrepreneur Charlie MacGregor is in a comfortable position: His idea of combining a modern student campus with an accommodation solution for young professionals and a hotel for traditional guests was well received by wealthy investors providing sums for expansion in the hundreds of millions. Massimiliano Sarti met the founder of The Student Hotel Group in Florence at the opening of the newest property. Operating 11 hotels today, the group plans to reach 65 before the end of 2023. All sources of revenue are welcome to achieve this goal.

Dublin. At Whatsapp itself, no news was to be found in this regard until yesterday, though the messenger service had already announced on Wednesday in the US, that the new service "Whatsapp Business API" will in future incur a charge. Companies must therefore pay to communicate with their customers. And from 2019, there will also be advertisements on WhatsApp.

Chicago/Madrid. In less than five days, Hyatt made a non-binding offer to take over Spanish NH hotels and withdrew it unexpectedly. Hyatt wasn't aware that Minor International has secured the control of 44% of the company and intends to take 100% control. In desperate need for growth, Hyatt may have missed an opportunity.

Fontainebleau. Political allegiance has a critical role in the decision to buy luxury goods. New empirical research shows that conservative shoppers are much more likely than their liberal counterparts to purchase luxury items if and when they believe the purchase will help them maintain their social status. Tests with luxury cars, eyewear and headphones revealed big gaps between the representatives of the two political parties.

Delhi. Puneet Chhatwal exudes calmness as a whole. Soft spoken yet firm, he speaks in a measured tone after thoughtful pauses. He radiates a certain positivity. And, that sense of joy to be finally home after 28 years of being away from India, to take over as the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Indian Hotels Company Limited, the most iconic India hospitality chain with its legendary Taj brand, the young Ginger brand and Vivanta. The group dates back to 1903 and, currently operates 145 hotels globally across four continents, with another 20 under development. From leveraging the iconic brand, to making it profitable and digitally relevant, to and minimizing its carbon footprint and, strategizing to remain on top, Puneet Chhatwal has his plate full. He talked to hospitalityInside's author in India, Hoihnu Hauzel about the journey ahead.

Munich. In Munich this week, Leonardo Hotels, part of the Israeli Fattal Group, better known by its brand Leonardo Hotels in Europe, presented their first lifestyle brand NXY in Germany. In contrast to other lifestyle brands, this hotel is not located in the city centre, but in the unassuming southern city district Obersendling. It aims to entice guests and locals with a franchise burger restaurant, a DJ and live music. Launched in 2016, the NYX brand is now represented with five hotels in Europe and Israel. On Monday, Leonardo management explained the concept and expansion of Leonardo and of NYX to journalists.

Hamburg. Everyone talks about including the "neighbourhood", but the 25hours Hotel Hamburg Altes Hafenamt is now doing it. From this coming Monday, residents of Hamburg's harbour district will be able to access around 40 different services through the lifestyle hotel – from window-cleaning to bike repairs all the way to the bread-roll delivery service. And best of all, the hotel charges nothing for arranging these services. The lobby contains the new Conciergerie – a small house as in the old days of the grand hotels.

Munich. Everything began in 2016. We now have Ruby Asia thanks to a joint venture between the young Lean Luxury group Ruby Hotels, based in Munich, and several Chinese partners spearheaded by Alex Zheng, founder of Plateno Hotels in China. Ruby-CEO Michael Struck has kept details to himself for a long while: "I wanted to be totally certain that the partnership really will work. The Ruby brand is sacred to me. But it was also clear that we will have to think bigger". In Shanghai, the first Ruby hotel in Asia is currently under construction. Struck has sought contractual guarantees that the Ruby DNA will not be diluted.