News & Stories

Paris/Amsterdam/Brussels. The summer season in France this year was as good as in the record year 2019 - but not everywhere: on the one hand there were superlatives on the Côte d'Azur, on the other hand tourist wasteland in Paris. In the Netherlands, nothing was pink-red: all the neighbours were absent. Almost all the Belgians stayed in Belgium, with a few Germans mixed in on the coast. Overall, the country was satisfied with this season. Europe's tourism - a colourful potpourri between glistening sun and cold shade.

Rome/Madrid. The locals and tourists from neighbouring countries have saved the summer season in Italy and Spain so far - in the bathing destinations. There are no international tourists in either country; the business travel segment is still dead. In Spain, 18% of the Spanish accommodation establishments are still closed. What moves both countries: employees migrate, even if their new jobs are paid less. And customers book extremely last minute: 7 to 14 days before arrival.

Wiesbaden. How did Germany, Switzerland and Austria experience the second Corona summer? Some of the figures are more optimistic than reality. On the positive side, however, city tourism is on the move again, and the Arabs are the first to return to the DACH region from abroad. The statements of hoteliers are at least encouraging.

Berlin. Anyone entering Germany from abroad or returning from vacation has had to follow new rules since August 1. Vaccinated people are at an advantage, presumably also from September onwards when entering restaurants and at events. Also the United States debates it, New York already creates facts.  

Bern. Switzerland's outlook for the country's hotel sector is far less favourable, due essentially to the absence of foreign guests. Forecasts say that the current year will be even worse for hotels than in 2020, which was "the worst year in history".

Bucharest. Although overall tourist accommodation capacity has shrunk slightly in Romania, there are a number of development projects going forward which should increase the country's lodging offer, especially on the Black Sea coast where the beach resort destination Mamaia is booming.

Venice. From August of this year, big ships will not be allowed to pass through the Giudecca Canal, or in front of San Marco square. They have been declared national monuments.

Vienna. After a slowed down transaction year 2020, the first half of 2021 already records significantly more activity on the market. Local project developers and private investors in particular are now becoming active.

Barcelona. Spanish resorts were the hardest hit by the pandemic in 2020: demand fell by 76%. On the other hand, more than ever was invested in resort destinations than in city destinations.

Berlin. The joy over the arrival of the digital European vaccination passport yesterday is great, but it is already being dampened again: each European country can determine for itself what relief demonstrably vaccinated people will receive.