News & Stories
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.
Alexandria, VA. In the battle to get their customers back, hoteliers should simply offer free, fast and wireless Internet access to all. A survey reveals a high potential for direct bookings just by making the stay of travelers simple and efficient.
Amsterdam. On July 14, 2016, giant cruise company Carnival Corporation, inaugurated "CSMART", the most advanced maritime simulation and training center in the world. Located in Almere, east of Amsterdam City, the facility has the particularity to also feature a hotel, the first one attached to a training academy and owned by a cruise company. Sarah Douag, our correspondent in Amsterdam visited the campus and met with Jan Roersma, Managing Director of Dutch company Hospitality Support Group, which manages the property.
Munich. Geo-political turbulences and developments in individual countries or regions are severely affecting the hotel industry these days. Investors as well as hotel operators, the "key players" of the industry, are facing unpredictable changes in the long term. The "Hospitality Industry Dialogue" at Expo Real 2016 mirrors these trends.
Paris. Confirming a disappointing summer season, the GNI, a group representing independent hotels in France, is sharing its deep worries with the government. A report reveals precise and depressing numbers. GNI provided a list of demands to the tourism minister.