News & Stories
Vienna. The disentanglement from Vienna International has its drawbacks: On the one hand, the unexpected dismissal of CEO Rudolf Tucek from VI one year ago could smooth the waves but, on the other hand, clarification of the ownership status still remains to be announced. The courts will decide there. And until then, the development of Cube Hotels, Tuceck´s own budget brand in the leisure segment, is blocked. He does not hold a lot of weight in big announcements of his own projects; he likewise critically views the latest announcements by his CEO successor, Andreas Karsten with VI.
Vienna. Since September 1, 2011, Dr. Andreas Karsten, former CEO of Magic Life, has been CEO of Vienna International Hotelmanagement AG. In terms of ownership, the company is closely aligned with Warimpex, a publicly traded company for which VI has been developing and managing numerous hotel projects in Central and Eastern Europe. After quarrelling with majority shareholders, Andreas Karsten now aims at rapidly expanding the chain. In an interview conducted by Fred Fettner, our Austria correspondent, Karsten specified how VI is to be made fit for the stock market and how he wants to expand – particularly in Germany. Here, he considers the minimum number of hotels required to be perceived as a hotel chain to be 40 hotels.
Shanghai. A German could revolutionise China's hotel industry. Bernold O. Schroeder, the new CEO of Jin Jiang International Hotel Management Co., wants to grow with new brands domestically and then begin the global triumphal procession. His goal: To mix within the Top 10 global players – a challenge with an open-end. As it stands today, a conglomerate with more than 700 hotels and just under 110,000 rooms is already hidden behind the Jin Jiang Group. Nevertheless, groundwork still needs to be conducted throughout. An almost unbelievable balancing act because even without additional purchases, Jin Jiang will still receive about 50,000 additional beds over the next five years. The brand refitting of 3-star hotels to luxury hostels stands. However, the economy can call all plans into question and the Chinese government still plays a crucial role in this hotel group. hospitalityInside author, Peter Hinze, a much-travelled journalist and Asia expert, has educed fascinating views and insights from Bernold Schroeder in a visit to China.
Minneapolis/Brussels. Carlson and The Rezidor Hotel Group announced on Wednesday that they have established the Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group. The closing of ranks between the parent company and its subsidiary will blow up the group over night to a "giant" with 1,300 hotels.
Munich. Nowadays it is often the parking fees at the airport that are the most expensive factor about flying. It costs 26 Euro per day to park a car in one of the four car parks at Munich Airport. In the more distant "holiday parking spaces", the fee is 14 Euro per day. The special provider Holiday Extras promises to reduce the parking fees by up to 70% compared to the official fees at airports, and not only in Munich, but at many airports in eight European countries. The company offers not only parking spaces at its own "Airparks" or rented areas at airports, but also cooperates with airport hotels or hotels at river, lake and cruise ship harbours. At the moment, 121 hotels at 42 airports are participating. Holiday Extras CEO Martin Pundt wants to increase the number of hotels systematically: the hotels provide the car specialist with large profits despite favourable fixed rates for travellers. Driving and sleeping are a fruitful symbiosis in this global franchise model.
Innsbruck. In the opening of the Ramada Innsbruck shortly before the turn of the year, RIMC Austria Hotel Resort Management & Consulting sees the prelude to a quick expansion in the alpine republic. The contribution by the German RIMC offshoot to the international growth plans: They intend to operate a hotel in every Austrian federal province within two years. With this, the Viennese RIMC branches that have existed since 2008 will become one of the driving forces of the international growth. Up to now, the balance has been rather restrained.
Hong Kong. The comprehensive rejuvenating cure for the flagship, The Peninsula Hong Kong, will begin on the 8 January, 2012. A year later, an "absolutely new product" will be breaking ground once again, according to COO Peter C. Borer. Additionally, the first Peninsula in Europe will open in 2013 - in Paris.
Chicago. Following Hilton Garden Inn and Courtyard by Marriott, the Hyatt Hotels Corporation will also come to continental Europe next year with its American mid-scale brand, Hyatt Place. There are already more than 163 properties of this brand in the USA with more than 20,000 rooms - thanks to the takeover of the former AmeriSuites. Meanwhile, the jump over the pond will consider regional peculiarities, announced Gary Dollens, global head of franchise and select brands, in a conversation with hospitalityInside.com. The first "Select Service Property" Hyatt Place will emerge in Amsterdam and shortly afterward, the second Andaz will follow - also in Amsterdam. A visit to the first European Andaz in London a few weeks ago proved that Hyatt has a fine feel for quality. Thus, it is likely that the team from Chicago has also placed Hyatt Place in a valued niche - even if at first, the basic data sounds similar to those of the big competitors.
Madrid. Chinese HNA Group will not take the 20% share of NH Hoteles as previously agreed. The decision made public on Wednesday may cause financial trouble to NH.
Vienna. Under the new CEO Dr. Andreas Karsten, Vienna International Hotels & Resorts is aiming at continuing its growth and tapping new markets. The focus will be on developing a new umbrella brand concept, and more strongly positioning itself as a restructuring specialist.