News & Stories

Munich. A reasonable degree of flexibility, a structure allowing you to handle deals with possible delays, coupled with the traditional approach of evaluating a new project… These are the ingredients of the ideal recipe any hospitality developer, investor or company should have at its disposal in order to commit itself to Sub-Saharan Africa: a very interesting area due to the general low supply of accommodation, an increasing demand and to the rising awareness of the importance of tourism by many local governments.

London/Madrid. The Spanish economy and tourism sector were hit hard by the steep recession which saw GDP decline for five straight years. Now, however, the fundamentals have improved considerably as the economy has bounced back, expanding by over 3% in 2015, making it the fastest growing of the major EU countries. The positive trend should continue in 2016-2017 with the International Monetary Fund forecasting growth of 2.6% and 2.1%, respectively, well above the Eurozone average. Incoming tourist arrivals slumped too during the crisis period, culminating in an almost 9% decline in 2009, but have now recovered hitting new highs for the past three years.

Munich. Crowded halls, intense negotiations: Expo Real in Munich was yet another huge success for the real estate sector, which is looking at a new record year. The run on hotel real estate goes on, although resorts are still having difficulties compared to their counterparts in the cities. Swept markets make prices rise beyond limits at several locations. Experts expect the market to cool down soon.

Amsterdam. Cruise ships are floating resorts. Cruise travel offers hundreds of thousands of beds, hundreds of destinations, hires close to a million people, generates a positive impact on local economies, and promises a great experience for all ages. On top of that, cruise ships offer something no hotel chain in the world can sell: waking up in a different destination every morning. Extremely well organized, this industry tackles problems one by one, controls its distribution and speaks with one voice. This sounds terrific - no doubt hoteliers can learn a few things from them! Today's article is a snapshot of the global industry trends. Over the months we will publish a series of articles comparing both industries.

Berlin. With the debut of two trade fairs in Singapore and China as well as a co-operation with a trade fair in India, ITB Berlin reinforces its claim to be the leading global travel trade fair organizer. Exhibitors who want to join the trade fair in Shanghai are asked to register immediately.

Munich. The hotel property market is flourishing. The real estate and investment trade fair Expo Real in Munich has never before been able to present as many exhibitors from the hospitality industry as in this year. Industry experts do not expect the end of the boom yet; instead it is expanding to various segments. However, there are also warning voices. Low interest rates and very high liquidity in the market are fuelling deals, and there is no end in sight. For operators, the hotel boom also has a downside.

Bethesda/Beijing. It's a happy ending for Marriott and Starwood. After playing with both chains' nerves, China's antitrust authorities finally gave the green light for the merger.

Paris. Only a few weeks after representatives of hospitality unions met with Jean-Marc Ayrault, French Minister for Foreign Affairs in charge of tourism, the government made a first move by releasing an extra budget of 10 million euros in order to boost tourism.

Frankfurt/M. A business trip into an unsafe region may be a psychological burden for the traveler himself and for his family. The travel industry has to optimize its safety precaution and its crisis management.

Sierre. Since 2014, Airbnb's offer in Switzerland has more than tripled in size. And this growth continues. In Basel, Airbnb already provides 42% of hotel beds.