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January 16, 2014

Gondra Wettley has been appointed as General Manager at Steigenberger Hotel Berlin

57-year old Gondra Wettley stepped into Torsten K. Schulze's shoes at the Steigenberger Hotel Berlin with effect from 1 January 2014. Before joining the Steigenberger Hotel Group in 1992, Ms. Wettley had already completed two courses of study at the Dresden Trade School and at the Leipzig School of Management. She also brought more than 15 years of experience in the hotel business to the table, having worked in the field of procurement before moving into human resources management. Following two years as Management Assistant at the Steigenberger Maxx Hotel Jena, she was appointed General Manager at the Steigenberger Esprix Hotel Halle, a position she held for two years. Gondra Wettley had spent the whole of the period since 1997 as General Manager of the Steigenberger Hotel Sanssouci in Potsdam, beginning by successfully guiding the establishment through its pre-opening phase. Between 2007 and 2009, she studied part-time for a Masters Degree in Tourism Management at Chur University of Applied Sciences in Switzerland.

H World International

Berlin, Germany

Press Release General Management

December 12, 2013

Sofitel to Manage Hotel Concorde Berlin in Germany; To Rebrand as the Sofitel Berlin Kurfürstendamm

Sofitel has signed a management contract for the Hotel Concorde Berlin which, as of February 1st 2014, will be operated under its new name, the Sofitel Berlin Kurfürstendamm.

Berlin, Germany

Press Release Sales & Marketing

December 4, 2013

Malaysia: Convention and Culture Partner of ITB Berlin

Malaysia is to launch its global promotion campaign entitled 'Visit Malaysia Year 2014' at ITB Berlin with cultural events and information on Malaysia as a nature and beach holiday attraction as well as a MICE destination

Berlin, Germany

Opinion Article

December 3, 2013

Bargain Hunting for Luxury Hotels - A Comparison Of The Luxury Hotel Markets In Berlin, Prague And Warsaw

The capitals of three neighbouring countries – Berlin, Prague and Warsaw – have a reputation for being affordable destinations. These cities are also home to a large number of international-standard luxury properties, so guests might wonder, 'where can I get the best value for money?' To answer this question, we analysed the characteristics of the luxury hotel markets in these cities. By examining the dynamics between supply and demand, we explore how occupancy and rates vary amongst the three markets, illustrating how luxury hotel rates compare to those of upscale hotels. From a guest's point of view, a luxury hotel is affordable and provides a good value proposition if the price difference to the upscale category justifies the superior quality and extra services. So getting value for money means happy guests, but what about the hoteliers? From their perspective, it's all about maximising rooms revenue per room (RevPAR) and bottom-line profits; thus, we provide an illustration of the RevPAR dynamics across the three markets.

By Arlett Oehmichen, Director with HVS’s London office, HVS

Berlin, Germany

Press Release Development

November 18, 2013

Official opening of the InterCityHotel Berlin Hauptbahnhof

Around six weeks after receiving its first guests, the flagship establishment of InterCityHotel GmbH celebrated its official Opening Ceremony in exclusive style on 14 November 2013. 300 invited guests, including customers, partners and press representatives were on hand to witness the official handing over of the key to the InterCityHotel Berlin Hauptbahnhof, a modern upper mid-range establishment that has achieved success from the very outset. Since launching at the beginning of October, it has already enjoyed occupancy of over 80 percent and is delighted to report that demand continues to rise. "The Grand Opening documents an important stage in the brief history of the InterCityHotel Berlin Hauptbahnhof thus far", explains Puneet Chhatwal, CEO of Steigenberger Hotels AG. "We are pleased that this hotel, which is situated in our preferred location of Berlin, has got off to such a good start and we hope things will continue to move in the right direction in future". The new InterCityHotel Berlin Hauptbahnhof is headed up by Hotel Director Steffi Wisotzky. Ms. Wisotzky had packed her bags and departed for Berlin as early as 2012 in order to support the planning and construction of "her" new hotel from the pre-opening office. Much has happened since, and she is now able to look back on the preparatory period with a degree of pride. "Over the past two years, we have created an impressive and extraordinary hotel that will set new benchmarks for the Europacity District." Ms. Wisotzky also puts the successful brand launch of the hotel down to her 50 new members of staff, who have brought considerable motivation and commitment to the table. The 412 rooms at the InterCityHotel Berlin Hauptbahnhof feature air conditioning as well as being equipped with satellite TV including Sky channels free of charge. Disabled-accessible guest rooms and rooms for allergy sufferers are available if required. A conference facility extending over a total area of 515 m2 is in place for meetings and events. The conference area also has a Business Corner and ten conference rooms with natural daylight which are capable of flexible combination. All events rooms are fitted with sophisticated technology, and genuine added value is also offered in the form of free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel. A restaurant, a bistro/lounge and a bar all help meet gastronomic requirements. One particular perk for fans of the city is the "FreeCityTicket", which is included in the room price and enables guests to use the whole of the public transport system in Greater Berlin and Potsdam free of charge.An InterCityHotel with modern photographic art A series of photographs, which has been specially created for the InterCityHotel Berlin Hauptbahnhof and now adorns the public areas and rooms, also very much reflects the modern design of the hotel. This portrait of Berlin, which goes by the name of "Berolinica" and is the work of the young art students Renke Brandt, Stefan Brückner, János Buck and Giorgio Morra, comprises 28 different photographs. The artists have addressed various characteristics of the city by observing and interpreting motifs from a number of different perspectives and putting them into a new setting. The InterCityHotel Berlin Hauptbahnhof is the 13th hotel in the group to be equipped with individually designed pictures as part of the "Art Rooms" Project, a unique cooperation agreement which has seen the InterCityHotel GmbH join forces with selected art schools in Germany to offer young artists a platform to present their works to a broader public.

H World International

Berlin, Germany

Press Release Sales & Marketing

November 14, 2013

2014 ITB Berlin Convention: focus on new trends

ITB Berlin presents a preliminary list of topics and speakers at the travel industry's leading think tank – major topics in 2014 include luxury tourism and new technologies – extended programme from 5 to 8 March 2014 – admission is free for visitors to ITB Berlin

Berlin, Germany

Press Release Sales & Marketing

November 4, 2013

New hall for Training & Employment in Tourism at ITB 2014

Visitors interested in a career in tourism will receive a boost for their job prospects at next year's ITB Berlin in Hall 11.1. Training & Employment in Tourism is moving from Hall 5.1. to Hall 11.1, where it will have information on vocational training and advanced training opportunities. A wide-ranging programme tailored to the needs of young tourism professionals awaits visitors to the stage. International exhibitors will be presenting details of training courses, for example. Personnel managers from leading tourism companies will have information on starting a career and the necessary qualifications in order to apply. Those interested in obtaining more information can visit the ITB Job Exchange powered by YOURCAREERGROUP, which in 2014 will again form part of Training & Employment in Tourism. At this main meeting place for newcomers and those already working in the hotel trade, restaurants, catering and tourism visitors can find out about job vacancies and meet directly with personnel managers.

Berlin, Germany

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Press Release Development

October 25, 2013

Generator Continues To Challenge The Traditional Hostel Concept With The Launch Of Its Third Property In 2013

Located in a historic 1900’s building in the bohemian neighbourhood of Mitte, the design-led Generator Berlin Mitte accommodates up to 552 guests across 139 en-suite rooms and dorms. Public spaces include a lively Generator Bar, chill-out library, café, historic central courtyard and a basement event space that will be used to showcase the work of local artists, designers and musicians.

Berlin, Germany

Press Release Sales & Marketing

September 20, 2013

Call for Papers for ITB Berlin eTravelWorld 2014

An opportunity for travel industry and internet tourism decision-makers – ITB Berlin is looking for fascinating subjects for papers and workshops on mobile solutions and social media – the deadline for entries is 1 November 2013

Berlin, Germany

Press Release Markets & Performance

August 29, 2013

HotStats European Chain Hotels Market Review – July 2013

Hoteliers in Berlin saw profits per available room increase by 25% in July this year which was solely attributable to non-rooms revenues and effective overhead cost management, according to the latest HotStats survey. Occupancy and Average Room Rate (ARR) both decreased marginally in July resulting in a slight fall in RevPar of 1% to €78.80. Meeting room revenue, however, increased by over 140%, equivalent to an additional €5.58 per available room, and consequently was the main driver of Total Revenue (TrevPar) growth of 9.6%. Other revenue drivers were food and beverage, with growth in this department improving departmental payroll efficiency by an impressive 12 percentage points and ultimately more than tripling food and beverage departmental operating profit per available room to €10.40 when compared to July last year.

Berlin, Germany

Press Release Sales & Marketing

July 18, 2013

HSMAI Europe and HSMA Germany to host Revenue Management and Digital Marketing Conference, Berlin, 9th 2013

Two Worlds Collide – this is the theme for the first conference to be jointly hosted by HSMAI Europe and HSMA Germany. The conference takes a detailed look at the converging disciplines of Revenue Management and Digital Marketing and the issues this raises in leadership, management skills, new performance benchmarks, and how to optimise profitability across the disciplines.

Berlin, Germany

Press Release General Management

March 26, 2013

The International Society of Hospitality Consultants (ISHC) and IHIF are proud to announce Carmen Hui, as the 2013 Young Leader award recipient

The International Society of Hospitality Consultants (ISHC) and The International Hotel Investment Forum (IHIF) are proud to announce Carmen Hui, as the 2013 Young Leader award recipient. The award is given each year to a young and emerging leader who has great potential.

Berlin, Germany

Press Release Development

March 26, 2013

IHIF Take-Away: “2013 is the year of opportunities”

Top lodging industry executives expressed collective optimism about prospects for global hotel development and performance as they departed the 16th annual International Hotel Investment Forum at the InterContinental Hotel Berlin earlier this month. Frits van Paasschen, Starwood Hotels & Resorts President & Chief Executive Officer, summed up the mood when he said "There is as much risk, if not more, in inaction than action." Majid Mangalji, Westmont Hospitality Group President, said "Difficulties and downturn provide opportunities." Richard Solomons, InterContinental Hotels Group Chief Executive Officer, said "The pendulum of global activities is swinging East." Another indication of optimism was attendance. More than 1,900 hotel, real estate and financial executives attended the global event, the most senior gathering for the Global hotel industry, including over 200 Owners and Investors. Several major players took advantage of IHIF to make announcements. Aecom launched its interactive hotel investment viability tool called HINT. Marriott announced the launch of its three-star Moxy Hotels product. Hilton announced that it would open 10 new hotels in central Europe. Jones Lang LaSalle Hotels announced the sale of the Hotel Ibis Hague City Centre. IHG announced the introduction of the Holiday Inn Express brand to Russia. Leonardo Hotels announced the acquisition of Queens Moat Houses (Germany) Holding GmbH. Kerry Gumas, Questex Media Group LLC Chief Executive Officer, and Jonathan Worsley, Bench Events Chairman and STR Global Board Director, presided over this year's IHIF, which was themed The Art of Innovation. More than 190 speakers conducted sessions on investment, funding, technology, contracts, development, social media and innovation, among other topics. A highlight was the presentation of the IHIF Lifetime Achievement Award for 2013 to Majid Mangalji, Westmont Hospitality Group President. Attendees took networking to a new level, as witnessed by informal gatherings late into the night at the Marlene Bar, participation in the event's popular Networking xPress and attendance at receptions throughout the three days, provided by the conference host hotel, InterContinental Berlin, and the Kempinski Adlon Hotel, hosted by The Leading Hotels of the World. "We were delighted with the success of this year's event," said Tess Pearson, Questex Media Group Event Director. "It was wonderful to see in excess of 1,900 delegates, over 200 investors and representatives from the executive levels of nearly every global hotel chain attending. Conference attendance is a vital part of business allowing education and networking amongst peers. It's refreshing to see there remains a strong demand for face to face environments like ours despite advancements in technology which facilitate 24 hour global communication." Full summaries from day each of the conference are available on the IHIF website, www.berlinconference.com, in the Media Centre section. The IHIF 2014 will take place from the 3-5th March 2014.

Berlin, Germany

March 18, 2013

Hans Wiedemann has been named recipient of the PATWA Award for Lifetime Contribution at ITB

Hans Wiedemann, Managing Director & Delegate of the Board at Badrutt’s Palace Hotel, receives the PATWA Award for Lifetime Contribution, at ITB on 7 th March for his personal commitment to the hospitality industry. The lavish prize giving ceremony at ITB, the world’s biggest travel fair, was attended by travel experts, Ministers of Tourism, representatives of the UNWTO and international press. Every year the PATWA (Pacific Area Travel Writers Association) Award is bestowed on individuals and organisations who push tourism in aviation, the hospitality industry and travel companies. Hans Wiedemann is being honoured with the prize in the category, “Hall of Fame – Lifetime Contribution in the hospitality industry” for his achievements in the hotel trade. Hans Wiedemann, who was “Hotelier of the Year 2007” and “Hotelier of the World 2009,” is known worldwide as a top hotel manager and for his great expertise in the hotel sector. Following his graduation from the renowned Hotel School of Management in Lausanne and several positions in Switzerland, he moved to Asia, where he directed a hotel with 600 rooms. His career then led him to Australia, where he stayed for 13 years, led five top hotels and received the “National Award for Excellence in Service.” In 1995 Wiedemann returned to Europe and for nine years took the helm of the “Montreux Palace,” which won renewed fame thanks to this successful hotelier. As managing director of Badrutt’s Palace Hotel, renowned for his spirit and optimism, he has led the ‘Grande Dame’ of St. Moritz since 2004. “Service is of paramount importance to us,” says Wiedemann. Seven years ago he introduced butler service to the traditional hotel, which dates back to 1896, and today guests are offered a refreshment bar, movie channels and a ski pass. Hansjürg Badrutt was also convinced by this attitude towards service and he decided to one day make Wiedemann the major shareholder. The hotel director regarded this legacy as his purpose in life and is determined to remain independent. In 2011 Badrutt’s Palace Hotel became “Hotel of the Year” in the Swiss Employer Awards. However, Wiedemann not only supports and motivates his own staff, he also shows his commitment to the hotel industry in his position as International Advisory Board Member at the Ecole hôtelière de Lausanne, as well as previous managerial positions such as president of Leading Hotels of the World in Switzerland. Furthermore, Wiedemann has been on the managerial council of the Swiss Hotel Archives Foundation, Member of the Board at Swiss Deluxe Hotels and also carried out the role of Swiss National Delegate for EHMA (European Hotel Managers Association). PATWA was established during the PATA (Pacific Asia Travel Association) Conference in Colombo, Sri Lanka. The aim of the association is to promote professional development of travel writing and travel communication which makes an invaluable contribution to tourism. PATWA supports the fundamental objectives of PATA efforts for tourism and at the same time adheres to the fundamental principles of UNESCO, the United Nations and of the World Tourism Organisation.

Badrutt's Palace Hotel

Berlin, Germany

Press Release Sales & Marketing

March 11, 2013

Closing Report ITB Berlin 2013: World’s largest tourism policy summit provides significant impetus for growth

ITB Berlin 2013 was by far the world's largest meeting place of international tourism policy decision-makers and business leaders. The German chancellor Angela Merkel, the Indonesian president Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, representatives of the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) and the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), as well as more than 100 ministers of tourism and state secretaries, met in Berlin to help shape the future for growth in the tourism industry.

Berlin, Germany

Press Release Sustainability

February 28, 2013

Stephen Farrant, Director of the International Tourism Partnership (ITP) will lead a session at the Hotel Investment Forum in Berlin (IHIF)

On the 6th March 2013, Stephen Farrant, Director of the International Tourism Partnership (ITP) will lead a session at the Hotel Investment Forum in Berlin. ITP will be joined by industry leaders to discuss how the industry is working together to address carbon and sustainability, and where the future opportunities lie. As one of the only sessions on sustainability at IHIF Berlin this year, it promises to be a highly engaging and lively debate.

Sustainable Hospitality Alliance

Berlin, Germany

Supplier News Technology

February 20, 2013

ZDirect to Showcase its Two-Way Electronic Communication and Mobile Marketing Tools at ITB Berlin

Hallandale Beach, FL - February 20, 2013 - Want to connect better with hotel guests and develop lasting relationships? Need to improve how you market to travelers' mobile devices? Then visit ZDirect March 6 to 10 at ITB Berlin. The hospitality provider of electronic customer-relationship management services will be present in Hall 25, Stand 150 at the Messe Berlin Exhibition Grounds to showcase its online and mobile tools for improving two-way, electronic communications that builds customer loyalty and increases onsite spending.

Berlin, Germany

Press Release General Management

February 19, 2013

Carmen Hui Named Winner of IHIF Young Leader Award 2013

The International Hotel Investment Forum (IHIF) is delighted to announce Carmen Hui as the proud recipient of the 2013 Young Leader Award. The IHIF Young Leader Award is widely recognised and respected throughout the industry and is co-sponsored by the International Society of Hospitality Consultants (ISHC). Hui is SVP Acquisitions, Europe at Host Hotels Ltd. Her role is to oversee Host Hotel's European Joint Venture with GIC and APG and to source and execute new deals. Notable achievements over the past eight years since joining Host Hotels include the acquisition of a $3bn Starwood portfolio in 2006 which included 33 assets and leading the acquisition process of the EU Marriott portfolio in 2012. Hui worked on the Marriott acquisition from its inception. She lead the process which included bid stages, due diligence and eventual contract negotiation with Whitehall. After almost five years of tenacious work, the acquisition of five hotels comprising 1,733 bedrooms in two countries closed on 30th November 2012 for approximately €440 million. James F. Risoleo, Executive Director and Managing Director, Europe for Host Hotels said of Hui; "Carmen is a hard working individual who has thrived through the early parts of her career. Everyone within the organisation and key external stakeholders show a tremendous amount of respect for her aptitude towards work and the friendly and approachable person she is." The 2013 Young Leader Award will be presented to Hui on Monday 4th March 2013 by Andrea Belfanti, Deputy Executive Director of the ISHC in a dedicated plenary session taking place at 16.45 the InterContinental Hotel, Berlin. Tess Pearson, Event Director, Questex Media Group commenting on the announcement said; "for the first time the IHIF Young Leader Award was thrown open to all aspiring young leaders around the world. To have been singled out from this vast talent pool is a considerable achievement and one that Carmen should rightly be very proud of." Andrea Belfanti, Deputy Executive Director, ISHC said; "here at the ISHC, we are thrilled to be able to continue our support of the IHIF Young Leader Award through co-sponsoring. I am delighted for Carmen and feel her tireless work ethic and commitment to our industry is deservedly recognised". Speaking exclusively to IHIF, Hui said: "I am tremendously honoured to have won the IHIF 2013 Young Leader Award. It is particularly meaningful to be nominated and recognised by my team which I have great respect for and love working with, and very special to be selected as winner by a distinguished panel of industry leaders. I look forward to celebrating this achievement with my team in Berlin." ISHC coordinated the award screening process and the winner was selected by an independent judging panel comprised of 21 industry leaders. Candidates eligible for nomination for the IHIF Young Leader Award must fulfil the following criteria:

Berlin, Germany

February 19, 2013

Carmen Hui has been named Winner of the IHIF Young Leader Award 2013 at The International Hotel Investment Forum (IHIF)

The IHIF Young Leader Award is widely recognised and respected throughout the industry and is co-sponsored by the International Society of Hospitality Consultants (ISHC).

Berlin, Germany

Press Release Sales & Marketing

February 14, 2013

Horwath HTL Host Guide to Emerging Market Development and Financing at International Hotel Investment Forum

Miroslav Dragicevic, Managing Partner of Horwath HTL (Hotels Tourism and Leisure), Croatia is hosting a panel at Europe's premier Hotel Investment Conference, The International Hotel Investment Conference (IHIF) in Berlin on the 5th of March.

Berlin, Germany