News & Stories

Dubai. For many international hotel groups, European hotel developments are clearly at the bottom of their ambitious expansion lists. At the International Hotel Investment Forum in Berlin, CEOs carefully hinted at it, but at this week’s Arabian Hotel Investment Conference in Dubai, it was clearly voiced. More than ever, investors and operators are looking at Asia, the Middle East and Africa. Mainly Northern Africa – with Morocco at the centre – has come into public focus as a market with huge potential. In general, investors from all over the world need to practise more modesty. With full power, the young and stable "emerging markets" will push the established, highly indebted industrial nations of the west to the bottom of the ranking. Experts speak of a total shift – a fundamental economic change that will also impact hotel investments.

Pohlheim. With "MyPassion-Tours", a new tour operator appears with a special programme for single travellers and for people who want to take some time out. Direct booking methods are preferred here.

Sharjah. The third largest Arabian Emirate, Sharjah, is focussing on culture and families in an attempt to set itself apart from the glitz and glamour of neighbouring Dubai. But in Sharjah too, all signs point to growth. The number of hotel rooms and apartment complexes is to grow from 8,500 to 12,000 by 2013. This is also to include the construction of ten new luxury hotels. Up to now, the 3-star hotels are dominating. At the four-day "Arabian Travel Market" commencing next Tuesday in Dubai, Sharjah will present its most recent projects.

Frankfurt/M. At short notice, a strong run-up to the opening of IMEX 2010 on May 25th has seen a significant number of new exhibitors, also hotels deciding to take space at the Frankfurt trade show plus an upturn in stand increases from existing exhibitors.

Frankfurt. Airlines have too large a scope when setting their fares. This lack of transparency leads to higher travel costs and is the result of a study, which should be interesting for hotel managers who travel frequently.

Oberursel. Thomas Cook is streamlining its organisational structure. At the same time, Gisela Soekeland, the longstanding Distribution & Marketing Director, will withdraw from operations on May 1, 2010, switching to the company’s supervisory board.

Wiesbaden. In year one after the economic crisis, all-inclusive offers are experiencing an enormous boost. Tour operators have to react to individual customer demands more flexibly than ever. "Theme vacations" such as health are in high demand. One thing is for sure: hotels that offer a substantial product are at an advantage. This year, German foreign tourists are mainly attracted to Spain, Egypt and Turkey. However: the number of undecided people is still high. A survey among large operators in Germany and Switzerland.

Salzburg. On an international level, tour operators score with massive bonuses for early bookers. Apart from that, providers try to attract customers with last-minute offers. There is almost nothing in between: medium-term business was plummeting say Austrian tour operators. However, it seems that Austrian hotels have not realised their chance: there are only very few early booking offers. The situation before this year’s summer season.

Hamburg. Today, travel directives are the norm in most large companies' travel departments. Generally, they serve as a means of cost control, determining not only the number of business trips made but also their type, the form of travel and the selection of travel or accommodation provider. All this plays its part in reducing travel expenses. Similar to travel directives, Gerhard Bleile, President of the Federation of German Event Organisers, has put together event directives in order to simplify the reservation process by companies and to bring more transparency into the event business. This is all welcomed by the hotel industry.

Wolfurt. In Austria's tourism industry, cables cars, as well as hotels, give a good indication of the buoyancy of the tourist economy. The world's biggest cable car builder is an Austrian company and it must now shed jobs.