Opinion Articles

Zürich’s Hospitality Approach: The Key to Happy Guests

A few weeks ago, I had the unique opportunity to visit Switzerland to attend the Young Hospitality Summit in Lausanne, Switzerland. I spent my first two days wandering Zürich, the largest city in the country, and I encountered a completely different model of hospitality. The straightforward service was complemented by unique, heartfelt experiences, and all workers were attentive and professional. I found myself efficiently and kindly served, and I began to think that the Swiss-German model of service has something to teach other countries. I believe that the simplicity of the hospitality in Zürich could refresh the sometimes-overwhelming hospitality we experience here in the United States.

Hotel Market Beat 2023 - Italy

Following a slow start, hotel investment activity surged in the second half of 2023, exceeding €1 Bn (+74% vs H2 2022). Total investment volumes for 2023 amounted to €1.5 billion (+1% vs 2022), reaffirming hospitality as a leading sector in the Italian real estate market. Key transactions included the acquisitions of Six Senses Rome, Aermont Pellicano Portfolio, and the sale of Blackstone’s 35% stake in HIP.

Hotel Market Beat 2023 - Spain

Spain was the most active hotel investment market in Europe, with €4.2Bn transacted during 2023, a 44% increase relative to 2022. Portfolio dealsrepresented more than half of 2023 volume, among which are the sale of Blackstone’s 35% stakes in HIP to GIC (63 properties out of 77 in Spain) andPortfolio Equity Inmuebles to ADIA (17 hotels). Sovereign funds and other players with less reliance on debt drove the activity.

Brave Hearts of Ukraine: A Beacon of Resilience and Welcome in the Face of Adversity

Earlier this month at ITB Berlin, I had the privilege to meet up with Irnya Sidletska, President of the Ukrainian Hotel & Resort Association. My meeting with Irnya was part of a significant event where several Ukrainian Tourism stakeholders showcased the "We Are Here" campaign, a poignant message of presence and perseverance amidst adversity. Developed with the support of Debbie Flynn, the global travel practice leader at Finn Partners, this campaign represents a collective effort to spotlight Ukraine's tourism potential against the backdrop of ongoing conflict.

Florence Market Pulse

This article examines Florence's tourism industry resilience amidst crises, including the COVID-19 pandemic, analyzing key performance indicators such as airport statistics, hotel supply, and operating performance. Despite setbacks, Florence witnessed a remarkable recovery, notably in 2023, with record-breaking Revenue Per Available Room (RevPAR). The analysis also highlights investment trends and future challenges, including concerns about over-tourism and evolving market dynamics.

Tourism in Switzerland: A successful summer 2023 for the Industry

The latest figures released by the Federal Statistical Office (FSO) have put even more spring in Swiss tourism’s step. Night stays in Switzerland for the months of June and July 2023 were recently published. And the news is good! Night stays (or hotel stays) were 8.6% higher in June 2023 versus June 2023. This confirms an earlier report indicating that in the first half of 2023, night stays increased 13.8% year on year.