News & Stories

Berlin. In Germany's hospitality industry, preparations for the summer season are in full swing. In the meantime, the exact date on which the hotel and catering industry will be allowed to start again has been fixed, even for the last federal state. But the date is only one thing, much more confusing are the different conditions, from square meter regulations to opening hours.

Vienna. With a lead time of about two weeks, the catering trade in Austria is allowed to reopen on 15 May under special conditions. This means that the landlords no longer know whether it is still worthwhile. The government aid package is intended to prevent bankruptcies, and the Mayor of Vienna distributes gastronomy vouchers to the citizens.

Berlin. Initially, it was to be announced on May 6 in a united agreement at which date the restaurants and hotels in Germany, which had been closed due to Corona, would be allowed to start again. But then, one federal state after the other rushed forward. Basically, the industry must comply with strict distance and hygiene regulations and has the green light for a reopening during May.

Vienna. After Germany extended its general travel warning until June 14, 2020 to the horror of the Austrian tourism industry, Austria followed suit on May 6 – however, limited to May 31, for the time being. Whereas this "warning" is just a recommendation, it looks like Germany wanted to scare off people with this long-established wording.

Gstaad. The coronavirus has not even let Swiss luxury destinations untouched such as Gstaad. The summer will primarily belong to Swiss guests – with significant losses. Nevertheless, institutions such as the Gstaad Palace remain confident.

Madrid. The Spanish government has started to ease the corona restrictions based on a 4-phase plan. Hotels should be able to open from May 18. The country also plans to start a promotion campaign based on the Staycation concept.

Rome. Three weeks ago, the Italian government issued another provision in order to sustain national companies during the coronavirus emergency. The so-called Liquidity Decree follows the Cura Italia programme, issued at the end of March. Finally, important Italian tourism companies signed a request for a special tourism fund.

Vienna. On 28 April, the Austrian government presented its long-awaited plan for the future of the hotel and catering industry. It was announced roughly ten days ago that restaurants would be allowed to serve guests on site from 15 May. Now, plans for hotels to open have been set for 29 May. The decision is a decisive turning point for the Austrians and so also for its neighbours: If the 53 million or so Germans who normally spend their primary holiday abroad stay at home this year, German hotels will be overrun. So when will the borders open? The easing of restrictions leaves an uneasy feeling behind.

Augsburg. The keyword "News-Mix" will bring to you tiny bits of news about considerable events of the past week(s): Airbnb/investment, Carnival/new shareholder, EPH/nhow Berlin, FTI-Reisen/major shareholder, Ruby/Munich, WeWork/lawsuit.

Wiesbaden. The Corona crisis continues, but some European countries are already beginning to scale back their restriction measures. The German government is still stalling its citizens, but there are indications that some easing of restrictions could come into effect after Easter. However, the experts are probably still in disagreement about what these will look like.