News & Stories

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.

Munich. Chinese investors have discovered the European hotel market. Yet deals aren't so easy since culture and 'wavelength' have an enormous role to play. Despite all the differences though, Chinese interest in Europe remains high. One extremely well-attended panel of the "Hospitality Industry Dialogue" hotel conference at the Expo Real Munich looked at the intentions and expectations with which the Chinese seek to become active in Germany and other countries and how these investors think.

Barcelona. Without totally abandoning its license moratorium on hotels agreed July 3, the municipality of Barcelona is reconsidering certain projects.

Munich. Higher, quicker, further – almost everyone exuded optimism at Expo Real 2015. Investors, consultants, developers, politicians, lawyers, and hoteliers gave their best shot at Expo Real 2015. There were deals, discussions and genuine celebrations, as this year very much looks like it will be a good one. However, those sounding a note of caution and warning were far from being overheard – even among hotel experts. In the wake of the gigantic field of commercial real estate, hospitality remains a small player despite its growth – but it is being increasingly appreciated.

Munich. Optimism was yesterday; today it is euphoria. Some real estate rates are going through the roof, but the yield remains modest. The 18th Expo Real, which ended on Wednesday in Munich, reflected the current luxury problem of the industry – including the hotel industry: capital is available in abundance, but there are fewer and fewer purchasable products. What is more, there is no end in sight to this balancing act, which makes life hard for investors, developers and hotel operators alike. According to experts, the interest rates will remain low. Every so often, crash-experienced people warned of future single bubbles here and there. However, these voices largely petered out. Everyone was after deals, deals, deals... Those who do not partake in deals will be left standing in the market in a few years – also in the hotel industry.

Huangzhou. In China, near the city of Hauangzhou with 8.7 inhabitants, the Amanresorts luxury hotel group has transformed an old tea farming village into an elegant resort. However, while the hotel collection is established on the preservation of tradition and culture, above all, the Chinese are coming because it is fashionable to be able to inform their Facebook friends that they have just spent the night at the most expensive hotel in the area. 90 percent of the Amanfayun guests are Chinese – all rich citizens who escape to the refined resort on the outskirts of the city to celebrate their lifestyle there and to mingle with others showing up in hotpants and silver stilettos in the temple.

Havana. After 55 years of economic embargo, the US are opening up again to Cuba. All chains are trying to enter the market but will have to deal with the dominant local developer Gaviota. The minister of tourism announces 85,000 rooms within the next 5 years.