by editorial office, ch

“Contrary to Germany, France has recognized the positive effects of lower taxes and is taking action immediately”, Ernst Fischer, President of the German Hotels and Restaurants Association (Federal Association Dehoga), comments on the decision of French President Nicolas Sarkozy to radically cut value added taxes for restaurants from 19.6 to 5.5 percent as soon as July 2009. “Unlike Germany, France appreciates the economic value and capacity of the gastronomy”, says Fischer. “Germany, too, must now understand that reduced tax rates of seven percent will be the best stimulus program for tourism in Germany.”

by editorial office, mas

Holiday Inn Berlin City West, a property of hotel management company Grand City Hotels & Resorts (GCHR), has been proclaimed „Certified Conference Hotel“. The seal of approval attests to the hotel’s fulfillment of a comprehensive catalog of criteria in seven categories, and, as such, its qualification as a professional conference hotel.

Ferry trip from Rostock to Ventspils with subsequent sailing trip from Klaipeda to Rostock during Hanse Sail 2009. 6 or 7-day ferry trip combined with sailing trip on Rostock-Ventspils-Klaipeda-Rostock route starting from 589 euros / travel dates 07/31-08/06 and 08/01-08/06.

From July 31 to August 6, 2009 and from August 1 to August 6, 2009, sea carrier Scandlines will be offering combined ferry and sailing trips on the Rostock-Ventspils-Klaipeda-Rostock route on the occasion of Hanse Sail 2009. Passengers will begin their journey in Rostock on the Scandline ships “Fellow“ and “Urd” and head out to Ventspils. In Klaipeda, the Norwegian sailing ship “Sörlandet” will then set sail for the great cruise back to Hanse Sail in Rostock.

On the back of audited attendance figures confirming EIBTM 2008 as the ‘biggest ever’, early signs illustrate how well the meetings industry is holding up in the current economic climate with key exhibitors rebooking for 2009 and taking extra stand space, whilst the event has attracted a number of ‘first timers’.

The British government must review as a matter of urgency its decision to increase air passenger duty. That’s the view of the Pacific Asia Travel Association.

“It’s no more than a swingeing, punitive tax on business and on families. Destinations across the Asia Pacific region are battling against the dramatic impacts of the global economic downturn. The UNWTO states, quite right, that travel and tourism can be an effective part of the G20 stimulus packages – and yet the British government sees fit to maintain its plan to impose these dramatic increases in departure tax,” says President and CEO Greg Duffell.

In light of the current situation after the outbreak of the swine flu in Mexico, TUI, Germany’s leading tour operator, has decided to extend its offer of allowing trips to be rebooked at no charge until May 31. This regulation holds for all tour operators under the German TUI group who offer trips to Mexico in their catalogs. Besides TUI itself, this includes 1-2-Fly, Airtours, Berge & Meer, Gebeco and L tur.