News & Stories
New York. A new type of guest is being courted by the increasingly competitive, moderately priced sector of the hotel industry: the business traveller from 25 to 45. So major hotel companies have done extensive research into the lodging preferences of this demographic group. The findings show a new trend - of equal importance to these guests are a moderate price, up-to-date technology, as well as social activities.
Bad Ragaz. The Grand Hotels Bad Ragaz recently presented their new Business & Event Centre, the new function given to their historical "Kursaal". With this, a further stage of the 140 million Swiss Franc project has been completed.
Vienna. According to an online survey, Austria's hoteliers expect a three percent plus for the winter season. The results show they are more optimistic than regional tourism managers. Increased costs have not been passed on to rate levels.
Vienna. Strong international demand and next to no supply - this is the current situation in Eastern Europe and, at the same time, it points out the chances. There are hardly any inside tips anymore, and the period of bargain deals is over as well, says Michael Widmann, Managing Director of PKF hotelexperts in Vienna.
Cannes. The film city Cannes, showed itself from its better side: the red carpet was rolled out, Ferraris stood row upon row before the entrance to the Pal Congress and in the background yachts floated on anchor. 3,500 participants from 110 countries, significantly more the previous year, flocked to the Côte d'Azur.
Hannover/Miami. TUI AG and Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. will launch a new joint venture serving the German cruise market in the premium segment. The new company, TUI Cruises, will begin service with one ship, in early 2009, and grow quickly with two newbuilds planned for 2011 and 2012.
Both partners will hold a 50 percent interest in the joint venture, which is subject to regulatory and board approvals before completion. The approval is expected for the first quarter 2008.
Andermatt. With his company Orascom Hotels & Development, Samih Sawiris has finally negotiated away the last pieces of land for his golf course from farmers in the Swiss mountain village of Andermatt. The Egyptian investor also presented a further investor for his gigantic Andermatt resort as part of his recent visit to the Canton of Uri.
Salzburg. The Lake Wolfgang region is about to lose one of its rare attractions due to bankruptcy, while the public Tourismusentwicklungsgesellschaft will lose the major part of its capital: The water theme park "Blue Dome" had to file for bankruptcy in the last few days.
Frankfurt/M. Following the rises in hotel and flight costs in 2007, prices will continue to increase into 2008. This, at least, was the result of the "Global Business Travel Forecast 2008" by American Express. In the hotel sector, rate rises are expected to stand at around 14 percent.
