News & Stories

Milan. At the end it was a substantial success, with few shadows cast on a generally positive scenario: Expo 2015 took place in Milan from May 1 to October 31, and despite discordant expectations, the event proved to be a golden egg for the local hospitality sector. Moreover, it also contributed to accelerating the changing image of the Lombard city: a long process that started about ten years ago and has been transforming a traditional business destination into an attractive location for leisure travellers too, from Italy and abroad. Still Expo probably failed in one of its targets: boosting the demand outside the regional boundaries as well. Is this the reason why the Milanese Chamber of Commerce still refuses to compile hospitality data about the public event? Probably it's more about lobbying and marketing, since they want to withhold the data until the end of December, when they are going to organize a "big event" with many of the most important local political stakeholders. But they already disclosed some data during a public event ten days ago. hospitalityInside author Massimiliano Sarti obtained the data and is able to draw the big picture.

Sierre. The Swiss hotel industry and para-hotel industry are feeling the effect of Airbnb. Recent figures show this clearly. The Airbnb offer has more than doubled since 2014. Even hotels are in on the game.

Madrid. The president of Portugese Visabeira Group is proud to partner with the Spanish hospitality company Paradores which is going to open its first member hotel and its first franchise hotel outside Spain in 2016.

Washington. Just like after the Paris attacks, the stock exchange reacted negatively to a global travel warning issued by the US Department earlier this week. Several sensitive sectors, especially hotels, were notably weaker at the beginning of the week.

Paris. Almost one year after the attacks on Charlie Hebdo, terror struck again in the French capital. The local hotel industry is already feeling the impact. Occupancy and RevPar went down immediately and significantly.

Munich/Milan. Milan, Rome, Venice, maybe Florence… Most hospitality companies present at this year's Expo Real Munich in October have a piece of Italy in mind when thinking about expansion. Italy is not enjoying the "festive feeling" Germany is experiencing at present but still, the interest of international hotel groups towards Italy is real and concrete. The groups already present, like AccorHotels are reaching out to 100 hotels, franchisors like Choice show serious interest, also budget hotel chains like B&B and Meininger. Luxury groups like Kempinski or Hyatt face stronger challenges in Italy.

Brussels. The EU has finally adopted the Package Travel Directive. It is the most significant set of regulations for the travel industry and is valid from 2018.

Hong Kong/Shanghai. Shanghai is booming. New luxury hotels are continually opening in the economic metropolis of China. Peninsula Hotels has not allowed itself to be swayed by the rapid race. The construction of the Peninsula Shanghai along the historic waterside promenade, The Bund, required considerable patience. But in return and with only two properties in China, Peninsula has already advanced as the most popular luxury brand of the super-rich in China.

Paris. Having decided on becoming more than just a room provider, AccorHotels has now launched a new service for small and medium businesses.

Andermatt. Eventful weeks in the Andermatt Swiss Alps: The foundation was laid for the Radisson Blu in September, the second hotel following the already opened luxury property, The Chedi Andermatt. And in the meantime, the groundbreaking for the fifth apartment house had taken place at the beginning of October. One thing is clear with the construction progress: Step by step, Samih Sawiris' vision of a new, year-round resort destination in Urserental is taking shape – in spite of all the gloomy predictions. The difference from previous activities: Co-investors are coming into play. In terms of status quo, this is also a spectacular as well as controversial project in the somewhat shaken Switzerland.