News & Stories

A summer drama is looming in Turkey: the authorities are reviewing the closure of 4,000 hotels. Some hotel experts and the media believe the 2025 season is under threat. German tour operators are not affected.

Spain's Tourism Sector could exceed 260 billion euros by 2025. In 2024, the sector achieved its best result since 2019, with a contribution of almost 249 billion euros to GDP. International tourism spending grew by nearly 11% year-on-year.

For the first time, Austria's hotel industry did not make it: In 2024, the increase in earnings could no longer keep pace with the willingness to invest. Young hoteliers are opposing this: They want to win their guests through creativity. At the same time, chains are pushing into the Alpine region with new concepts. And investors are complaining about major hurdles.

The European Commission is working towards developing a comprehensive EU Tourism Strategy in early 2026. Everyone is called upon to actively participate. Interested parties can use a questionnaire to contribute their concerns to a sustainable tourism model.

India seems to be the most interesting growth market in the world now – for both hotel development and outbound travel. The interest of international hotel chains in positioning themselves with their brands well and in good time is correspondingly lively.

In Austria as a tourist destination, more and more businesses are tending to postpone or cancel planned investments. Rising costs and economic uncertainties continue to affect them - despite the good booking situation. 

Following JJ's success at the Eurovision Song Contest (ESC) in Basel on 17 May 2025, the artistic competition will be followed by the tourism competition in Austria. Which city can take on the role of host in 2026?

After a subdued start in the first quarter of 2025, there is cautious optimism regarding incoming tourism in Germany for the upcoming summer season. The USA - Germany's second most important source market - is a factor of uncertainty for the development. 

Austria's tourism figures have proven to be extremely stable over the years. This is often justified by the exceptional quality of service, but on closer inspection, half-board hotels are booming less than (non-service) holiday apartments. The jump in apartment sales is massive. The market is changing. 

Good news for Swiss hoteliers: after the Council of States, the National Council has now also approved the reduced value added tax (VAT) rate of 3.8 percent for accommodation services.