News & Stories
Munich. The dampened spirit of last year had completely vanished. This year, the prevailing mood at the Expo Real in Munich was one of optimism with a real desire for new projects. And the same is true of the hotel industry. Although the big news stories were lacking this year, there were still many smaller indications of where the future was heading. Nobody wants to use the word 'euphoria', but there's certainly a very welcome 'new realism' in the air. Most discussions were quick frank and to the point and exhibitors as well as visitors claimed – in their mutual interest – to only want to build quality hotels in future. And as was to be heard at the hotel conference, feasible hotel concepts will also have a stronger impact on hotel finance. 'Franchising', it seems, has also found some unexpected friends. One thing that was clear from this year's trade fair was that without a real concept, capital will remain strictly limited. Yet the upswing is certainly in the offing. Indeed, the Expo Real itself illustrates this trends with its visitor numbers: In 2010, the fair counted approx. 1,000 visitors more than in 2009 and four percent growth in exhibitors. A mood report.
Hanover. The TUI resort brands Iberotel and Dorfhotel now plan to improve their profile beyond TUI flight destinations and north of the Mediterranean. With two Iberotels and four Dorfhotels in Germany, the physical basis for this has already been created. Strong synergies to the source market are needed. Iberotel turns 40 this year and is set to get a marketing and quality makeover. Dorfhotel is developing somewhat slower, but with very exact ideas on new locations and target groups. Strategic explanations by Michael Franke, Managing Director of Iberotel and Dorfhotel.
Goehren-Lebbin. Palms, sea and permanently warm temperatures aren't on offer in the north-easterly German state of Mecklenburg Western Pomerania. Nevertheless, a Robinson Club, a Radisson Blu and a Dorfhotel joined forces there to become the destination resort Land Fleesensee as far back as ten years ago. Last year, the trio, which is comprised of one Rezidor brand and two TUI brands, was joined by a third TUI brand – Iberotel. A total of 220 million EUR has been invested in Land Fleesensee, the biggest resort complex in Germany and the jobs created by the complex are a godsend for the small state. Nevertheless, investors aren't so happy.
Cannes. "How have the demands of the luxury traveller changed?" and "Finding and satisfying high-yield travellers in today’s market" are the key themes the world of luxury travel will be addressing at this year’s ILTM, 6-9 December in Cannes.
Frankfurt. The business world will change fundamentally in the next few years. Travel managers are in the centre of the development and are able to transform into mobility or communications managers as well as lobbyists, and will therefore become the central entity of the business travel market.
Innsbruck. The attraction of the Alps is to be newly consolidated: At the beginning of next week, eleven regions are to sign the "Innsbruck Manifesto" and found "theALPS". The initiative will not focus on large deals, but will lobby for the Alps as a travel destination. After a similar attempt made years ago to set up a cross-country Alpine network of tourism organisations failed, the subject is now being approached by politicians. Whether it will be successful this time round? The eleven regions currently on board are almost exclusively German-speaking regions.
Salzburg. The smaller the place, the smaller the chance that hotel projects involving international names can truly be realized. The same is true of Austria. But some capitals of the individual federal states have new things to offer. There are new developments taking place in Salzburg, Graz and Innsbruck. Major projects with international names have been initiated in regions strong in tourism, but they have been put on hold for the most part. The chance of operating hotels at premium locations is small in Austria. Locals dominate the top sites. Outside the capital of Vienna, the Austrian hotel business has its pitfalls.
Zell am See. Because of a one-degree difference in temperature, a new 83-million euro water and spa landscape in Austria is not allowed to be officially called a "thermal bath". However, the operators do not regard this as a severe marketing disadvantage, but 160 rooms have to be marketed additionally in the nearby hotel by means of the new spa. In the community of Kaprun near Zell am See with 3,000 residents, not even the Steigenberger Hotel is able to take over the price leadership in the market, which is being criticised by industry experts. However, spa operator Vamed remains positive.
Vienna. Whether it be Vienna, provincial capitals or tourist regions, investors and chain hotels continue to have confidence in the capacity of the Austrian market to support further investment. The Austrian capital is currently riding high on the "luxury wave" which will add to established hotels such as the Sacher and Imperial. Nevertheless, as early as 2009 it was clear as that the growth number of beds in the Vienna is outpacing demand. And the trend persists. Yet despite this, renowned investors and hotel operators continue to plough money into the Austrian capital. An update of hotel projects in Vienna.
Abu Dhabi. Abu Dhabi's new hotels are two things: opulent or stylish. In the capital city of the United Arab Emirates, architects fully live out their designs, just as in Dubai. Concepts in the 5-star category, crowned by renowned international brand names such as Fairmont and Shangri-La, quickly attract custom. The architecture of the futuristic Yas Hotel on Yas Island exercises an almost magnetic pull on guests, whereas a professional DJ attracts guests into the aloft hotel. But it's not all so easy.