News & Stories
Berlin. The political tug-of-war over the lifting of the travel warning on the part of Germany does not abate. The Chancellor does not intend to express a final statement on the matter until 3 June. This means that it is still open whether there will be summer business in Europe this year. Other countries - such as Croatia - are preparing carefully. An overview.
Madrid. Spain's Ministry of Industry and Tourism has published a guide with recommendations to reduce Covid-19 infections in hotels. The month of March saw a strong decline in occupancy. Still, experts predict occupancy of up to 17% in August.
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.