News & Stories

Vienna. The high point of the winter season in Austria is imminent; the start was unsteady though. Austrians still believe in the appeal of homeland as winter sport destination for tourists. They themselves though are more interested in travelling to warmer climes.

Vienna. At the moment, there is heavy snow in Austria, yet the projections for the summer 2017 are already in. Surveys have revealed that the Austrians want to travel more than ever, book earlier and intend to spend more money. Couples with good salaries focus on city tours. As far as foreign travel is concerned, many Austrians plan a trip into neighbouring countries - preferably by car. Among the long-haul destinations, the US heads up the list.

Vienna. "Overall, the result is positive, the year 2016 was strong." This was how Thomas Emanuel, Director Business Development of STR, prepared the 150 audience members for new and pleasant wind in Central and Eastern Europe. The conference room at the 9th "International Hotel Investment & Design Club Forum" in Vienna's renowned Hotel Sacher four weeks ago was packed - and a symbol of the reignited exchange à la "East meets West". There was talk of million-heavy investment, of tailwind for resorts and of the desire for more good quality hotels.

Milan. Thanks to its own merits and to external contingencies, the Italian hospitality real estate market is currently showing strong signs of recovery. Transactions are expected to reach a total value of 1 billion euros before the end of the year: a threshold never achieved before apart from 2006, when the world was definitely another place and the Lehman Brothers collapse not even imaginable.

Glattbrugg. In summer 2016, Germany once again topped the destination list for German travellers. In winter, they head for Austria. The trend towards short trips is increasing, also in the world of holiday apartments and homes. These are the findings of the current "Holiday Home Report" by Interhome.

New Jersey. After an uneven 2016, the business travel outlook for next year looks to be similarly subdued, with flat to moderate rate increases expected globally across air, hotel and ground transportation, according to "Global Business Travel Forecast 2017" by American Express Global Business Travel.

Eschborn. The Meeting & Event industry can expect growth next year – but not in all regions. Strict company guidelines and reduced budgets in some countries will lead to a growing demand for middle class hotels there. In other regions, hotel supply is expected to surpass demand.

Munich. Having decided to erect a security fence around the Oktoberfest in Munich this year, for many travellers it was clear: They planned on staying away. The result was 300,000 fewer visitors, something that was not only due to changing travel behaviour, but also to the gun attack at the Olympia shopping centre in July. Munich is no longer safe - Or is Munich still safe? Such a sceptical message has certainly cost the city its image and bookings - and is tearing Munich's success spoiled hoteliers out of their comfort zone. The market figures reflect the sober state. Managers from the Rocco Forte Hotel The Charles, Mandarin Oriental and from AccorHotels and Starwood Hotels also expressed themselves soberly.

Berlin. After massive criticism from the tourism industry, German federal cabinet put forward an amended bill with regards to the Package Holiday Directive on Wednesday.

Munich. Low interest rates and crises keeping holidaymakers close to home are prompting professional investors to look more closely at the opportunities on offer from resorts. The size of the resort industry isn't anything like that of the city hotel industry, but the segment is finally beginning to blossom again: There are more and new investors with a feel for the fine nature of this business and self-critical comparison with the city hotel industry.