News & Stories

Lausanne. The newly created "World Luxury Index Hotels" has determined that Marriott's Ritz-Carlton flag and Four Seasons are the most searched luxury hotel brands on the Internet. However, taking into account upper upscale brands, as well, the Hilton brand was the most searched overall, as noted by a new study, which was based on 133 million searches of 70 hotel brands in over 900 destinations during 2012 and Q1 2013. While the index does not reflect actual purchases of hotel rooms, it does give some indication of potential demand for the various brands included in the study, as well as for destinations targeted by luxury hotel clients.

Bremen. The poker game involving the Parkhotel in Bremen continues. In the meantime, the operators of the Atlantic hotel group from Bremen have purchased a share of the property. And the lease agreement provided by Dorint has not yet been signed by the insolvency administrator.

Cologne. The owner of the Parkhotel Bremen has spoken out for a new operator of the hotel: In all probability, Neue Dorint GmbH will take over the property on the July 1, 2013. However, the insolvency administrator has the last word.

Geneva/Dubai. The Global Hotel Alliance has moved their headquarters from Geneva to Dubai and has now announced the introduction the new "Individual Collection" – a type of White Label for smaller luxury hotel chains.

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.