Historic Hoteliers Meeting and Conference
The Third Historic Hotels of Europe ‘Hotelier’s Conference’ took place on the 22nd of June in Salzberg, Austria. It was also the occasion of the 50th Anniversary Gala Dinner of the Schlosshotels & Herrenhauser, our Austrian member.
The focus for this years conference was on using new technology and marketing tools to attract and reach out to guests interested in history and luxury travel in unique hotels that have a story to tell.
A panel of International marketing and hotel experts gave pragmatic and incisive presentations on the new challenges facing the independent historical hotelier. After the presentations all participants were given the opportunity to ask questions, exchange views and all agreed it was an informative and eye opening experience.
A new Board of Directors were elected, they are, Barbara Avdis, founder of Yades Greek Historic Hotels, was elected Chairman of the board, Max Eidlhuber, Chairman of Schlosshotels & Herrenhäuser in Austria, was elected Vice-Chairman, Sylvia Nylin, Chairman of Countryside Hotels Sweden, was elected Vice-Chairman, Ken Healy, owner of Barberstown Castle in Ireland and Board member of Ireland’s Blue Book, was elected Treasurer and Jan Svoboda, Chairman of Historic Hotels of Slovakia, was elected Secretary General.
The main focus for the new Board of Directors for the coming two years is,
- The expansion of the Historic Hotels of Europe to more countries in Europe, there are currently 20.
- To become the leading point of reference for Cultural, Luxury and Historical tourism in Europe.
- To continue our work to empower independent historic hotels and their owners through a new reservation system and a strong brand presence in the new and exciting digital market.
In the coming months a new dynamic website will be launched which will focus on todays digital travellers need for information and an exchange of experiences . There will be an online booking facility for hotels, special offers and traveller packages on historic routes around Europe.
The 500 Historic Hotels, Castles, Palaces and Manor Houses throughout Europe are part of a unique tradition and experience not found anywhere else in the world. Through their hosts they provide good hotelkeeping, hospitality and superb food for discerning guests looking for a holiday experience that cannot be replicated by the generic hotel chains that dominate the marketplace. The Historic Hotels of Europe (HHE) acts as the umbrella organisation that brings all these qualities together to share with our members and their valued guests.
