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📍 Thomas Hageman, executive at Meininger Hotels since 2018, oversees development in Europe. Meininger, a hybrid hostel concept leader, is fully owned by Holidaybreak Ltd, under the solid American investment fund Ares Management, shedding former ties with India's Cox & Kings. Focusing on commercial leases, typically 20-year terms, Meininger does not own properties and currently eschews management or franchise contracts, favoring partnerships for new builds or conversions.

⛰ Camping in the mountains has become a trend, providing affordable and varied accommodations like caravans, tents, chalets, and mobile homes outside the summer season. With 119.9 million nights spent in campsites, 81% of French people see it as a go-to vacation option due to its affordability, particularly in light of rising consumer prices. Furthermore, 85% cherish the community spirit and conviviality of camping. Nearly half of campers prioritize a swimming pool when booking, and 40% of campsites are rated 4 or 5 stars, reflecting investments in luxury amenities.

📝 In France, professional organizations from the restaurant and food retail sector are urging senators to avoid hasty legislation and instead focus on modernizing the restaurant voucher system as the Senate debates the bill this week. The current bill, aimed at reintroducing the use of restaurant vouchers for non-immediately consumable goods like pasta and flour for two years, is opposed in favor of more comprehensive modernization. The urgency for such legislation ended after the deadline of December 31, 2024, due to the Barnier government's censure and halting of parliamentary work.

🌎 L’association Agir pour un Tourisme Responsable (ATR) conducted a survey under the "TRES FRANCE" project, revealing that 76% of French travelers feel a lack of responsible tourism offers and insufficient communication about environmental commitments by professionals. Over 800 travelers participated, with 49% increasingly attentive to responsible travel aspects, 68% changing habits for closer destinations, yet 75% find rail connectivity inadequate, hindering a shift towards sustainable options. Resources for low-carbon tourism are now free at tourisme-responsable.org, including a practical guide for industry professionals.

💸 Le Groupe Logis Hôtels a atteint un chiffre d'affaires record de 265 millions d'euros en 2024, en croissance de +10% par rapport à 2023. La clientèle affaires a augmenté de +29%, et les ventes directes en ligne de +16%. En 2025, le groupe cible trois axes stratégiques : renforcer l'attractivité territoriale, attirer davantage d'exploitants et investisseurs, et accélérer la décarbonation de la restauration. Malgré l'inflation, le groupe a appliqué des hausses tarifaires modérées, avec une croissance de +29% des packages « Soirée Etape » à 105€ en moyenne et une augmentation de +15% pour le programme de fidélité ETIK, qui compte désormais 600 000 membres et offre un cashback de 5,5%.

🚘 Mondial de l’automobile opens in Paris on October 15, 2024. Alpine A290 offers two power levels (180 or 220 hp) starting at €38,000. Peugeot 5008, from €40,490, features 7 seats, 748 liters trunk space, and up to 660 km range in electric version. Mini Aceman, 4.07 m long, priced from €36,000, accelerates to 100 km/h in 7.9 seconds with 184 hp and in 7.1 seconds with 218 hp SE motorization.

💰 Moma Group, led by founder Benjamin Patou, ceded majority stake to Butler Industries, which now holds 85% of capital, while historical shareholders retain 15%. The strategic partnership initiated in late 2023 aims to boost Moma's international growth. Despite economic challenges and the impact of the Olympics, Moma reported over €115 million in revenue for 2024. Expansion plans include openings in Morocco and Saudi Arabia, focusing on Noto and Casa Amor brands. Patou will serve as president of the supervisory board for three years, maintaining control over iconic Parisian restaurants Lapérouse and Lafayette’s. The deal awaits bank consortium agreement and regulatory approvals.

🚗 Gilles Vidal, Design Director at Renault, details the new electric Renault 5, set to be the upcoming season's it-car. Renault employees are already test-driving it on the streets. The car's success is expected to significantly impact the brand's commercial and image standing in the rapidly growing electric market. Boasting a spectacular design that nods to its heritage while being thoroughly modern, the high-end variant features a 52 kWh battery with over 400 km range under optimal conditions. Notably, it offers a unique in-world feature: an optional 50€ wicker breadstick holder.

🏨 Spark by Hilton to launch in France with new hotels: Spark by Hilton Lyon Ouest and Lyon Park Saône set to open in Vaise district (69009 Lyon) by late 2025, Spark by Hilton Lyon Eurexpo (69277 Genas) by summer 2026, and DoubleTree by Hilton Lyon Plage (69004 Lyon) by 2028. A total of 655 rooms across the four hotels. Eric Giorgi, CEO of Groupe Arteloge, expresses enthusiasm for the franchising partnership with Hilton, emphasizing the growth and customer benefits while maintaining management and ownership.

🐕 The Association Hôtellerie du Québec (AHQ) and ExperiSens, a research unit of the Institut de tourisme et d’hôtellerie du Québec (ITHQ), published a guide for welcoming dogs in hotels. With financial support from the Ministry of Tourism, this guide was developed from a study aimed at providing Quebec hoteliers with the tools needed to cater to the growing trend of travelers with dogs, ensuring comfort and safety for all guests. It includes an in-depth analysis of local and international practices, incorporating expert opinions, including that of a veterinarian and a human-animal relationship researcher. The report highlights financial, regulatory, and service recommendations to enhance the experience of travelers with dogs.