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🏖️ Tahiti's government granted a 250 million Pacific francs (over 2 million euros) tax incentive for the renovation of the former Méridien Tahiti Ia Ora hotel in Punaauia, closed since 2020. The refurbishment by Tahiti Lagoon Resort involves 130 rooms and 12 overwater bungalows, costing an estimated 1.2 billion Pacific francs (around 10 million euros). Aimed at boosting Tahiti's tourism, the project targets a 2026 reopening, with former hotel employees hoping to regain jobs.

🏨 Lars Bakhaus, administrator of Somnoo, advocates for uniting investment, operation, and marketing expertise in the hospitality industry under one roof to enhance value creation and asset resilience. Somnoo's integrated model shortens the decision chain for renovations and operational choices, aligning decisions with the asset's growth and operational cycle. This approach has attracted long-term investors, especially after demonstrating resilience during the Covid crisis, emphasizing trust in local teams.

💸 In 2024, 2.1% of Travel startups were forced to shut down, with 27 out of 38 closures being companies still in their launch phase. TNMT reported a failure rate between 1.3%-2.2% in the last three years. Digital platforms suffered most, with a 2.8% failure rate, amidst a tough economic climate and scarce venture capital. Expedia allocated 52% of its operating expenses to marketing in 2023. Major factors include high competition, low market entry barriers, and difficulty differentiating. Startups like Tripnotes were acquired, while others like AMBLR, Planit Earth, and WayFind ceased operations. Journera raised $38 million but closed after 8 years. 80% of new startups target B2C directly.

🏨 Experts like Tugdual Millet (Covivio), Philippe Rossini (Swiss Life AM), Andreas Löcher (Union Investment), Michel Miserez (Marriott International), and Valerie Schuermans (Radisson Hotel Group) discussed evolving hotel real estate landscape. Covivio shifted from 100% fixed leases in France to 60% variable components in their portfolio. Past lease contracts were 10-15 pages, now much more complex with regulated elements like F&E, indexation, and extension options indicating a move from simplicity to sophistication.

🛰 Wanfeng, a Chinese automotive parts manufacturer, acquired German eVTOL operator Volocopter for €10 million on March 10, 2025. The acquisition includes integration of Volocopter's assets into Diamond Aircraft Group Austria, owned by Wanfeng since 2017. Despite a recent financial struggle and restructuring after Volocopter's insolvency in December 2024, the company, with headquarters in Bruchsal, Germany, aims to achieve certification for its flying taxi model, Volocity, within 2025. Already, 75% of European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) inspections have been completed.

📈 Cupra, originally Seat's sporty label before becoming independent in 2018, has sold 750,000 vehicles in the past six years. The Spanish car brand plans to enter the North American market by 2030 and currently has 900 sales points worldwide, including 'City Garages' in nine major cities, one being Paris. Their SUV coupe, the Cupra Tavascan, offers a 500+ km electric range and comes in two versions: the 286 hp V and the all-wheel-drive VZ.

🏖️ ITB Berlin, a major tourism industry event, saw 100,000 participants from March 4 to 6, with 87% international visitors impacting Berlin's hotel occupancy. Despite similar attendance to last year, hotel performance indicators rose, except for the average price which decreased. The 59th edition's impact on Berlin's hotel market was overall positive. The report comes from MKG Consulting, a Paris-based specialist in sector studies and event organization.

🏨 Kristina D’Amico named Vice President at JLL Hotels & Hospitality, based in Miami with 14 years of experience, previously at HVS Consulting & Valuation assessing over $5 billion in hotel real estate assets. She'll oversee client services and portfolio growth in the Southern US, Latin America, and the Caribbean. JLL's global hotel asset management currently supervises 135 hotels valued at over $15 billion. D'Amico holds a BBA in finance and hospitality from Florida International University and is pursuing an MBA in real estate. JLL, a Fortune 500® company with $23.4 billion annual revenue, operates in over 80 countries with more than 112,000 employees.

🌳 Since 2023, Rennes Métropole, Destination Rennes, and the CCI of Ille-et-Vilaine are supporting local accommodations in an eco-friendly transition. Currently, 27 tourist establishments are certified, 23 with the Green Key label, making up 28% of local accommodations. Green Key label applications for 2025 are open until April 15. Initially, 11 facilities started sustainable practices; now, including the new additions, there are 27 certified establishments with 4,440 beds. 17 more joined since 2023, with 13 receiving financial aid from Rennes Métropole. This approach caters to travelers' growing eco-awareness and helps lodgings save on energy costs.

🏦 IHCL confirmed sole owner of 'Taj' trademark by India's Supreme Court on March 19, ending disputes with hotel groups misusing the name. The 'Taj' brand, established in 1903 by Jamsetji Tata with the Taj Mahal Palace in Mumbai, is part of a luxury hotel chain including ten members of The Leading Hotels of the World. The brand is recognized globally, from New York to the Maldives, London to Dubai. Mumbai's Taj Mahal Palace's GM, Ritesh Sharma, won Best Luxury Hotel Director at the 2023 Hospitality Awards.