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b.courtin

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  • 4 min

Louis de Vilmorin, Co-founder and Managing Director of WellWays SA

🏠 Louis de Vilmorin, former International Director of Guerlain Spas, helped open approximately 15 spas in luxury hotels. A market study is emphasized before adding a spa, given that 60% of five-star hotels have spas, while 40% do not. Investing in a luxury hotel spa can require 10 to 20 million euros, and profitability often depends on local clientele memberships. Partnerships with brands like Guerlain are seen as beneficial for their expertise and retail opportunities. The integration of wellness in hospitality management, especially in education like at EHL Lausanne, is debated for its macro importance.
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December 2024: A strong finish for European hospitality

🎄 December 2024 marked a rise in Europe's hospitality sector, with the average occupancy rate boosting by 1.6 points. This growth was primarily propelled by the upscale segment, offsetting weaker performance in the lower-tier categories. The end of the year showed better performance indicators, including occupancy and average daily rates (ADR), signalling Europe's attractiveness to international travelers during the holiday season, despite cautious domestic demand.
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Outlook for 2025 on the three major blocs of European hotel markets

📈 MKG Consulting's annual forecasts anticipate relative slowdown for France and the UK in 2024, with better performance expected in 2025 albeit below historical standards. Northwestern European countries, including Germany and the Benelux, will likely face alternating slowdowns after a positive 2024. Southern Europe is predicted to sustain strong growth in 2025 due to controlled volume compression, despite a decline in visitation. For in-depth country and segment analysis, MKG Consulting's detailed reports are available online.
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  • 7 min

Thomas Hagemann, Chief Operating Officer at Meininger Hotels

🏨 Thomas Haugeman joined Meininger as COO in 2018, after working with the Radisson Hotel Group. Meininger, a leading hostel brand in Europe, is nearing 50 properties with recent project announcements like a new-build in Strasbourg due in 2026. Currently, Meininger operates 36 hotels across Europe, with upcoming openings in Edinburgh, Barcelona, Kiel, and Tel Aviv. They maintain a lease-focused strategy, preferring 20-year terms, as seen in France due to tax considerations. The brand caters to a diverse clientele, including 25% groups, 10% backpackers, and sees potential growth in family and corporate segments. Automation and the enhancement of public areas are current focuses for Meininger's operational strategy.
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Interview with Thomas Hagemann, Chief Operating Officer at Meininger Hotels

🏨 Thomas Hagemann, former Radisson Hotel Group specialist, joined Meininger as COO in 2018. Meininger, with 36 European properties, plans 50 by 2030. A new Strasbourg hotel, backed by Credit Agricole and Banque des Territoires, will open in 2026. Other projects include a 157-key hotel in Edinburgh and openings in Barcelona and Kiel. Meininger is exploring expansion in Greece, Poland, Scandinavia, and Great Britain, targeting various clientele types, including 25% group travelers, with a hybrid model. Upcoming refurbishments will affect ten properties, following a year of positive financial performance.
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