News & Stories

Vienna. The Viennese hotel industry has already been waiting for this opportunity for a long time and it will finally arrive in May, 2015: The "Eurovision Song Contest" 2015 should not only provide Austria with priceless free advertising worldwide, more tourists and a more modern image, but the price levels should ultimately land where they belong as well – namely clearly above the current levels.

London. Hilton announced its 11th brand this week: Curio. The new brand name is to say the least 'curious'. Its launch at least fills one of two gaps in Hilton's brand portfolio vis-à-vis its key competitors like Marriott and Starwood Hotels. The first gap concerns 'boutique' or 'lifestyle' hotels, such as Starwood's well-established W flag or Marriott's young Edition, which, after a rocky start, is now getting on its feet. The second gap concerns 'soft' brands, such as Marriott's Autograph Collection or Starwood's Luxury Collection, which allow independent hotels to join the chain's reservation and marketing network, including loyalty scheme, without conforming to the rigid standards of the chain’s core brands.

Palma de Mallorca. The most important hotel employers of Spain have demanded a special set of guidelines for tourist accommodation. They fear the increasing competition of other Mediterranean destinations.

Vienna. When Vienna is merchandised as a "well-concealed secret", something is in disarray with the marketing of Austria in Scandinavia. The Swedes as generous and the Danes as activity-friendly summer guests are highly sought after here. Non-Austrians should also listen here.

Turin/Milan. In April, there was a transaction between Spanish NH Hotels Group and Italy's largest bank Intesa Sanpaolo. Now the bank has entered into a new agreement with the major NH shareholder, the Chinese group HNA, in order to sell a share of the stock to them as part of the previous deal.

Strass/Zillertal. Strass, the small town at the beginning of the Austrian Ziller valley, has been considered the "spa hub of the world" for years – thanks to the pioneer Heinz Schletterer. Now, the entrepreneur has to admit a bankruptcy of millions. Only Schletterer Consult might survive.

Dubai. Several hotels from the portfolios of Alila, Grace and Corinthia Hotels have become founder members of the new "Ultratravel Collection", a joint venture between Travel Leaders Group, Global Hotel Alliance and Ultratravel.

Innsbruck. The only large hotel newly opening this summer in Tyrol, Austria is daring something new with its location and its concept: 5 Star luxury away from the tourist centres; the four restaurants and half board typical to Austria have been dropped. "For Friends" launches July 5, 2014, twenty kilometres away from Innsbruck.

Wiesbaden. If one is to believe the uppermost bosses within the chain hotel industry, their brands have not lost their attractiveness. Internationally-active consortia and special providers of niche products see this differently: They are currently experiencing strong growth – the immigration from the large brand hotel chains. If one is the reality, is the other pure PR. The emotive word for the switch is "individuality". Along with this, many owners have complained to the consortia regarding the chain standards that create expenses.

Stuttgart/Dubai. A bank and a credit card company jointly analysed the spending mood of travelers. The result: more and more Germans want expensive trips, but in 2013, Arabians were the ones who spent the most money on travels.