News & Stories

Munich. Luxury or budget, management or lease, classic bank financing or private equity? In the course of the "4th Hospitality Industry Dialogue" in Munich at this year's real estate fair ExpoReal, the questions revolving around the hotel industry were the same as in the previous year - as were the answers: At best, they signalled trends that are increasing.

Frankfurt/M. German travel agents can now use the services of the global service provider Net Trans for the management of hotel commission. The service is intended to ease the invoicing of foreign hotels.

Hoechstaedt. The tour operator Blue Ocean Travel is building its service presentation on a multimedia travel book. In the past, the printed catalogue has been the only means of marketing.

Frankfurt/M. Thomas Cook, Oberursel, has sold 75.1% of shares in Aldiana Ltd to the Spanish company Grupo Satana Cazorla. So much was announced yesterday.

Monaco. Conception and decoration of spa areas, hydrotherapy, beauty and well-being as well as cosmeto-spa will be in the focus of the second European Spa Exhibition which will take place in January 2006 in Monaco.

Chicago. German conference organisers are struggling in the hotel industry. The "hotelforum" in Munich, for example, was cancelled only a few weeks ago. It was to become and alternative to the big Hotel Investment Forum taking place in Berlin each March. The latter, however, is organised by Americans. Even the third International Hotel Conference in Monte Carlo two weeks ago was also initiated by an American. Are there any differences? Questions to Morris Lasky from Chicago.

Cologne. "BusinessBreaks" from Center Parcs goes on the offensive. Already, special conference events are being offered for the world cup 2006.

Frankfurt/M. Congresses and events comprise a large part of the business travel revenue. Contrary to classic travel management, however, many companies do not fully master event management. Saving potential goes unused.

Frankfurt/M June is a good, when not the best month for conventions and congresses. But already experts are warning hoteliers of slow business next year. The reason: The football world championship. The ability to react quickly and to find intelligent solutions will certainly be required.

London/Berlin/Basel. The European Hotel Design Conference is now called "Sleep.05" and will reveal its new look in London in November. Another place for conceptual "Visions & Inspirations" will start in Basel soon. In early October, a new congress about real estate and financing is taking place in Frankfurt.