Munich. For some time now, serviced apartments have been identified as promising niche products by numerous investors and project developers. International chains like Ascott/Citadines, Accor/Adagio, Frasers or Adina/Medina are pushing their global expansions. However, the largest German provider, Derag Livinghotels from Munich, is growing only slowly. Since its start in 1982, Derag's portfolio today only comprises 14 aparthotels with about 2,600 rooms at locations like Berlin, Duesseldorf, Frankfurt, Munich and Vienna; three more hotels in Munich, Duesseldorf and Frankfurt are currently planned. Managing partner Professor Dr. Max M. Schlereth continues to place his bets on a manageable expansion on the well-established 70:30 mixture of serviced apartments and hotel rooms in a building. Two years ago, he founded The Living Hotels as well, the first booking platform focussed on serviced apartments. A background interview on the special segment, marketing and economic expectations.

Paris. After an increase of VAT passed by Sarkozy’s team, French hoteliers face school calendar changes and winter holidays cut off from Hollande’s government. Freshly elected President of France on May the 6th, François Hollande and his government didn’t waste a minute bringing the change they promised during the campaign.

Zurich. Twelve independent hotels with the "Schweizerhof" name have united in Switzerland in a new marketing consortium that will initially concentrate on an online platform. A further expansion of the activities is planned.

Paris. While pulling out from economic lodging in North America selling Motel 6 and Studio 6 to Blackstone, Accor strengthens its position in Australia and New Zealand by investing in Mirvac Group. Following the sale of the two US brands, Accor is going to lose almost 1,102 hotels and 107,000 rooms. According to MKG Hospitality Consulting Paris, the fifth largest hotel group in the world with 531,714 rooms as of 1 January 2012 for over 4,400 hotels in the world, will then slide back a notch behind Choice Hotels International.

Berlin. The surrounding hotels are suffering severely from the surprisingly delayed opening of the new airport Berlin-Brandenburg. This much became obvious in this mini survey.

Ascona. The Giardino Group aims to become an all-in luxury package holiday provider. The first step in this direction is the establishment of its own fleet of aircraft.

Dubai. Talent management was one of the big topics during the 2012 "Arabian Travel Market" in Dubai. JW Marriott Marquis Dubai introduced an innovative campaign, which re-invents recruitment in the digital era. The company develops new positions and looks for staff-members outside the hospitality industry.

Zurich. Swiss hotel group Mövenpick extends its activities in China. One point is the development of an own brand name for the country. Furthermore, the group announced three hotel openings until 2015.

Zurich. In spite of the difficult market environment, Swiss Deluxe Hotels only had to register minimum decreases in 2011. They trace this back to innovation, quality, above-average service and opening new markets.

Frankfurt. Romantik Hotels & Restaurants celebrate their 40th anniversary this year. The original merger of seven German family-run companies had grown to become a consortium with more than 200 members and over 7,000 rooms in 12 European countries. Europe still remains the core market in the expansion. One point of interest: The group has managed to win over new younger guests over recent years and guests are also staying longer. This all has its reasons: Hoteliers are investing a lot and regularly, and are also again pushing up revenues as a result. An analysis to mark the anniversary.