Jorg Herrmann took over as Hotelplan HHD chief executive on 8 April and has been quick to reiterate this week the division’s commitment to the trade, particularly in the UK.
Hotelplan revealed self-catering specialist Interhome’s sales are currently up 27% in the UK and Ireland this year after “several successive years” of double-digit growth. This growth, says Hotelplan, has been “mainly driven” by the trade, which now accounts for 75% of Interhome bookings in the UK and Ireland.
Average booking values are also increasing, up 9% to date for summer 2019 versus summer 2018. Hotelplan has attributed this to customers booking more luxury product, a trend mirrored across both direct and trade bookings.
“The potential for incoming and outgoing tourism is not yet exhausted in the UK,” said Herrmann. “We still see growth potential on both sides. Therefore, it is important we continue to work together for good cooperation with the UK travel trade, who are integral to our future growth plans.”
Interhome UK’s top five destinations by sales are Spain, France, Italy, Switzerland and Croatia, while its fastest-growing destinations in 2019 include Cyprus, Greece and Portugal, all locations where Interhome says it has added new luxury product.
Sales from all Interhome markets to the UK, meanwhile, are up 48%, a trend it says has been “driven mainly by UK staycations” which have so far doubled since last year. Top-selling destinations include London, Devon and Cornwall, and Scotland.
Herrmann succeeds interim HHD CEO Thomas Stirnimann, who is also Hotelplan Group CEO, as part of a wider reshuffle of the Hotelplan HHD management team. Head of sales and marketing Michael Figlestahler has been promoted to deputy CEO to replace Jytte Toft, who has left the business.
Chief information officer Peter Kranz, meanwhile, will also leave the company after finalising a new joint booking system for Interhome and Inter Chalet in June called Focus. His responsibilities will be divided across various departments. Marcello Bologna will continue in his role as chief financial officer.
Founded in 1965 as Swiss Chalets, the company was rebranded Interhome in 1977 and became part of Hotelplan Group in 1989 sitting alongside the Inter Chalet brand. The business celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2015.
