News & Stories

Munich. The recent dismissal of Accor CEO Denis Hennequin changes nothing in the existing strategy of the group, it is said. At most, the tempo is too slow for both primary shareholders, Colony Capital and Eurazeo. The fact that their wishes count has also been experienced with the fact that enforcement by Asset Light regarding the most recent CEO sacking was repeated several times and almost aggressively. What does it mean for Accor in Germany, the second largest hotel market for the French? How quickly can Accor's contractual relationships be changed in a country that likes neither management nor franchise? Michael Muecke, Managing Director and General Manager Economy Brands with Accor Germany, regarding the current status of Asset Light in Germany.

Bangkok. Most of Banyan Tree's new hotels will open in China and Asia Pacific, as well as in the Middle East. But Europe and South America are also very important to the group, Ban Abid Butt, Chief Executive Officer of Banyan Tree Hotels & Resorts said in Bangkok.

Madrid. Now it is official: Chinese hotel group HNA takes a 20 percent share of NH Hoteles which helps the Spanish hotel chain to scratch along for the present. After all, the company still suffers heavily from the crises in its home market.

Berlin. The Australian Toga Group, parent of Adina Apartment Hotels, has entered into joint venture with Singapore listed Far East Orchard Limited to strengthen the growth of the company in cooperation with this hotel developer and operator.

Kitzbuehel. The Stanglwirt in Going near Salzburg has been established as a VIP hub par excellence for many years. Richard Hauser, managing partner of the Stanglwirt, is now putting up a "Private Members Club" next to the hotel, the Kitzbuehel Country Club. The entry fee starts at 1,800 Euro – but only in the first year. Fred Fettner spoke with Richard Hauser regarding the profile of the club that has many models in Anglo-Saxon regions – however, there is still an exception in the German-speaking realm.

Lucerne/Geneva. Luxury is not the same luxury. Insiders have known this for a long time, but CEOs rarely speak of it. In recent times, Reto Wittwer has done so several times in the media and reaped headlines. Indeed, he means it seriously: Kempinski Hotels & Resorts will no longer count more properties than the group is old. In 2013, the luxury hotel group counts just 76 properties. There is still potential. However, he wishes to know nothing of mega pipelines à la Marriott, Hilton, Jumeirah or Mandarin Oriental. This self-limitation is a luxury protection, for Kempinski as well as for the guests. Since Reto Wittwer is absolutely convinced: "At some point, there'll be a Ritz-Carlton too much." A conversation about luxury on Lake Lucerne, in the heart of luxury-spoilt Switzerland, on the outskirts of the "World Tourism Forum" in Lucerne.

Berlin. Gay and lesbian hotel guests spend an average 57 per cent more on their travels than their heterosexual counterparts. Hotels and destinations benefit from it. A study among US travelers.

Vienna. The initial hype around social networks has fallen back to earth with a bang, even in the hotel industry. Meanwhile, even the smallest hotelier in the most remote valley knows that "likes" on Facebook don't translate directly into earnings and that Twitter isn't a revenue management tool. Nevertheless, dealings with social media are still very awkward. The problems are, in part, home-made - for many reasons. Those who know how to use these channels give each guest the "celebrity treatment". Today, not only celebrity preferences are researched before arrival, but rather each guest is checked out. Good and bad experiences with these media balance out, and even expert opinion is divided. A look at the hotel industry and social media and the "all-singing, all-dancing" tool to satisfy the hotelier's ego.

Berlin. "A whole lot of capital for little money" is the motto of many renters of holiday apartments in Berlin. Nevertheless, what the tourists love, because it is inexpensive, many politicians and local residents have increasingly less taste for. In the meantime, it is not only the Berlin centre that is rallying to the fight against many privately rented holiday apartments, but other Berlin districts also want to follow. Hamburg has also already moved forward sharply against this trend. Many hoteliers are more than justified in their right. It would particularly benefit hotel-surfeited Berlin. Indeed, there are also other voices.

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Bonn. The colourful hotel group LH&E with its Kameha brand and CEO Carsten Rath at the helm again made the headlines in Germany last week. The articles describe an apparently spectacular move involving owner and operator. Joerg Haas, investor in the Kameha Grand Bonn, and Carsten Rath give their accounts.