How should we measure the tourist experience? Material well-being, or GDP, is regarded by some as insufficient to measure our quality of life and the evaluation of specific services in terms of customer satisfaction may also be somewhat lacking.
The Valais Tourism Observatory estimates that by the end of the year there will be 3 million Airbnb overnight stays – approximately 8% of the 35 million hotel overnight stays.
Since 2014, the Valais Tourism Observatory (Tourobs) has been monitoring the development of the Airbnb properties in Switzerland and especially in Valais canton.
The analyses carried in 2015, 2016 and early 2017 showed a strong increase in the number of properties and beds and quite distinct territorial disparities. A new study provides an overview of the current Airbnb offer in Switzerland, based on the primary data collected by Tourobs at the end of June.
With an enviable, elevated position in the middle of the village and breathtaking views of the Matterhorn, the Overlook Lodge by Cervo is certain to become the hottest address in Zermatt when it opens its doors in December 2017. The intimate retreat in Switzerland's Pennine Alps boasts five exclusive serviced apartments housed in a newly built lodge—perfectly placed for moments of exquisite isolation this coming winter season. While the extensive facilities at the neighboring Cervo Mountain Boutique Resort ensure that no wish is left unfulfilled. www.designhotels.com/cervo-mountain-boutique-resort
The Ritz-Carlton, together with the Manz family, today announced the completion of the renovation of The Ritz-Carlton Hotel de la Paix, Geneva, the legendary luxury hotel brand"s debut in Switzerland. Formerly known as Hotel de la Paix, Geneva, the 152-year-old hotel underwent a multi-million dollar renovation, extensive re-design and refurbishment, marking a new era in the evolving story of one of Geneva"s most elegant and historic hotels.
The Bürgenstock Resort Lake Lucerne, welcomes Chef Marc Haeberlin of the legendary three-star Michelin restaurant, L'Auberge de L'Ill in Alsace as Signature Chef for its restaurant at the Palace Hotel, RitzCoffier by Marc Haeberlin. The fourth generation of Michelin-starred chefs in his family, Chef Marc Haeberlin is known for the award-winning L'Auberge de L'Ill. An illustrious French icon dating back to 1878, the restaurant received its third Michelin star in 1967 and celebrates 50 years of three Michelin stars this year. Taught by his father from an early age, Chef Haeberlin trained under some of France's most celebrated master chefs including Paul Bocuse, René Lasserre, Gaston Lenôtre and Jean and Pierre Troisgros. Switzerland's newest luxury resort has tapped Bertrand Charles as RitzCoffier's Chef de Cuisine. He has worked as Chef de Cuisine under such renowned two-star Michelin chefs as Jean Pierre Vigato of Apicius and Jean François Piège while he was at the Hotel de Crillon. Chef Charles has also directed the kitchens of luxury hotels in Morocco, Mauritius and the Philippines.
With presence in more than 70 countries across the globe, Hard Rock International is expanding its hotel portfolio to the Swiss Alps, announcing plans to open Hard Rock Hotel Davos. Working in collaboration with International Hospitality Service AG ("IHS"), the owner of Spenglers Hotel and Holsboer Residences in Davos, Hard Rock will electrify the region in December 2017. VIYM, a private equity firm with extensive expertise in the hospitality industry, consulted IHS on the deal. Transforming the 130-year-old building, which houses the recently renovated Spenglers Hotel Davos with a new spa and soft design touches, Hard Rock Hotel Davos will give tribute to the building"s rich history of honoring Dr. Alexander Spengler and Willem Jan Holsboer – both pioneers in their respective fields. As Davos became famous for the medical benefits its high altitude climate provided, Dr. Spengler was the first person to open a people"s sanatorium, while Holsboer developed the plans for the railway line to Davos. Recently renovated last year, the historic luxury boutique hotel will further continue its modern conversion by evolving into a music-inspired city escape with priceless memorabilia adorning the walls of the property, curated by a team of design experts to fit the local music scene while reflecting the region"s art, style and culture.
Bertrand Charles has been named Chef de Cuisine of the RitzCoffier at the Palace Hotel, part of the Bürgenstock Hotels & Resort Lake Lucerne. He brings valuable experience working with some of France's most celebrated Michelin-starred chefs and at leading luxury hotels in France, Morocco, Barbados and the Philippines.
Last month, Dr. Michael A. Brabetz was appointed Medical Director of the Waldhotel Health & Medical Excellence at the Bürgenstock Hotels & Resort Lake Lucerne, a new holistic resort dedicated to healthy living. A physician with 27 years of specialization in internal medicine and psychosomatic illnesses, Dr. Brabetz will preside over a team of multi-disciplinary doctors.
Leading B-to-B information, event, and marketing solutions company Northstar Travel Group announces the date of 2nd annual European Mountain Travel Summit (EMTS). The global leadership forum, presented by Mountain Travel Symposium (MTS), will be held 09-11 January, 2018. Over three days 250 senior executives from the international mountain travel industry will convene for networking and thought leadership in Crans-Montana in the heart of the Swiss Alps.Featuring cutting-edge content and unique networking opportunities for senior executives, EMTS assembles some of the greatest minds in travel. During the event, attendees interact and share experiences, insights and knowledge through a series of general sessions, speaker presentations, panel discussions, and an Alpine ski networking day.The 2018 programming will include three general sessions focusing on destination tourism marketing and distribution; staying competitive in the global market of Alpine tourism; and innovation and technology in relationship to driving new business, improving efficiencies and staying ahead of the curve."We were thrilled with last year's inaugural EMTS and received a great response from the industry, as it filled a need in the market," said Bob Sullivan, President, Northstar Travel Group. "Our goal is to bring together senior leaders to discuss critical issues and challenges within the mountain travel industry, bring about solutions, and in turn, make the industry more successful."The event is supported by Crans-Montana Tourisme and Congress. Crans-Montana is an exceptional site, with a state-of-the-art convention center located walking distance from lodging and lifts. "We are excited to have EMTS back in Crans-Montana for a second year," said Bruno Huggler, Director, Crans-Montana Tourisme & Congress. "As a premier mountain resort in the Swiss Alps, Crans-Montana is a natural fit for our destination and we cannot wait to once again share our amazing views, activities, cultural experiences, and gastronomy with all of the attendees."EMTS, an expansion of the MTS brand, grew out of MTS where the need for senior level executives of mountain destination tourism to convene became apparent. MTS, now in its 43rd year, is the single largest and longest-running annual gathering of mountain travel professionals in the world. MTS gathers representatives from over 35 countries to establish relationships, build their business, and create a stronger mountain business community. EMTS helps to connect the leaders of the mountain travel industry, furthering the goals of the MTS brand," said Michael J. Pierson, Managing Director, MTS and EMTS. "There are four key components that make EMTS unique: First, the exclusive nature of our attendees—C-level and senior marketing executives from around the world; second, our global perspective; third, our content focused on market research, strategic marketing, and best practices and trends; and fourth, our education and networking," Pierson added. "EMTS is an annual summit you do not want to miss."To learn more about European Mountain Travel Summit or to register visitwww.europemts.com.
Considered to be one of Europe"s highest villages at 2,000 meters above sea level, Chandolin is a largely undiscovered resort in the Swiss Alps with less than 100 all-year residents and a handful of fine dining and drinking establishments during the seasonal upswing. But the French-speaking village in the heart of Switzerland"s Valais canton has charm enough to warm the heart of any visitor, thanks in part to the opening of Chandolin Boutique Hotel, a suitably stylish abode to sooth even the most aesthetically-minded of souls. www.designhotels.com/chandolin-boutique-hotel
Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spas is delighted to announce plans to open its first resort in Switzerland.
Atlantis by Giardino, the top ranked hotel in Zurich according to TripAdvisor, has promoted 44-year-old Kai Spehr from Deputy Manager to General Manager, replacing Martin Vossen who has moved on to be CEO of a small group of hotels in the Maldives.
Soaring 20-foot ceilings, huge floor-to-ceiling windows and 18-foot pillars clad in antique brass will greet guests entering the luxurious new Bürgenstock Hotel & Alpine Spa on August 28. But what will impress the most are the sweeping 180-degree views of Lake Lucerne and the Swiss Alps looming on the horizon. High on a forested ridge, 2,800 feet above the spectacular lake, the five-star superior hotel, a member of The Leading Hotels of the World, is the heart of Switzerland's newest luxury resort, the 148-acre Bürgenstock Hotels & Resort Lake Lucerne. Is this the setting of a James Bond movie, perhaps?
Ecole hôtelière de Lausanne (EHL) is happy to announce that the 2017 Student Business Projects (SBP) have now officially come to a close, marking the last milestone in the curriculum of the senior students who chose to service one of the 40 client-companies involved. The closing ceremony took place on Friday June 16, with the presence of many high profile companies who benefited from the junior consultants' hard work, creativity and dedication.
Today, June 30, marks both the Tschuggen Grand Hotel’s summer opening, and the final season under general management of eight-year veteran at the property, Leo Maissen. Maissen will be promoted to Chief Development Officer of the Tschuggen Hotel Group and will be succeeded by Stefan Noll in the autumn, beginning September 1, 2017. Creative ideas are a speciality of Maissen's. Kicking off his final season as General Manager will be the Tour de Swiss. From June 30-July 2, 2017, a biking tour stretching nearly 112 miles, and spanning altitudes of approximately a mile and a half between the Tschuggen Grand Hotel in Arosa, and the Hotel Eden Roc in Ascona will welcome this summer’s active guests.
For nearly two centuries, five-star hotels have been providing exceptional services, anticipating needs and customizing attendances to pamper guests and distinguish from competition. In today's age of experience, more companies seek to adopt this model and create memorable brand experiences for their customers.
Hotelier Stefan Noll is to become general manager of the Tschuggen Grand Hotel in Arosa, Switzerland, in September 2017.
Offering 170 rooms, 25hours Hotel Langstrasse is the brainchild of the Zürich architects from E2A. The design plays with the contrasts between the banking and red-light districts, art and commerce. The people behind the interior design were Werner Aisslinger and his team, who had already given the 25hours Hotel Bikini Berlin its unmistakeable look. Like in the first 25hours Hotel in Zürich West, guests can look forward to culinary delights from the eclectically eastern Mediterranean cuisine served up by Haya Molcho and her family in their restaurant NENI. In the adjacent Cinchona Bar, which was developed in collaboration with Hamburg bar pioneer Jörg Meyer, the focus is on highballs and fortified wines.
Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts will open a new 264-room hotel in Basel"s city centre in 2019, set to become the hotel group"s flagship hotel in Europe. Located in the heart of the city, next to the SBB railway station, the hotel can easily be accessed from several European cities. The 19-storey building is designed by renowned architects Miller & Maranta, while the "Timeless Modern" interiors incorporating several design classics, are created by Matteo Thun.
Ghassan Dalal, General Manager of Erbil Rotana and Erbil Arjaan by Rotana, has been honored with the "World Tourism Star of the Year" award by the World Tourism Forum Lucerne. The decision was taken by the renowned jury and partners who were very much impressed by Ghassan's story which serves as an example to inspire others in the hospitality industry.