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DERTOUR Group takes over Hotelplan Group, with the exception of Interhome: Strengthening and continuity for established travel brands of Hotelplan

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Glattbrugg / Cologne, February 12th, 2025: DERTOUR Group acquires the entire Hotelplan Group from Migros, with the exception of Interhome, thereby strengthening its presence as a travel group in Switzerland, the United Kingdom and Germany. The DERTOUR Group is already represented in 16 countries with over 130 companies and more than 10,000 employees. The long-established brands of the Hotelplan Group, an international travel group specialising in leisure and business travel, are to consistently further strengthen the tourism diversity and expertise of the DERTOUR Group. The takeover will take place as soon as possible – subject to the approval of the relevant antitrust authorities. The parties have agreed not to disclose the terms of the transaction.

The acquisition includes four of the five business units of Hotelplan Group and covers the travel retail and tour operating business in Switzerland, Germany and the United Kingdom. The holiday home specialist Interhome, which is being taken over by the HomeToGo Group, is excluded.

Dr Ingo Burmester, CEO Central Europe and member of the Executive Board of DERTOUR Group, comments on the takeover: “We are delighted to take over the Hotelplan Group with its strong collection of travel brands and lead them to further growth in our tourism network, with clear advantages for employees, guests and partners. As the tourism division of the cooperatively organised REWE Group, we are an attractive employer, and we already share common values with Hotelplan Group. These include excellent customer experience, personalised advice and sustainability.”

Michel Gruber, Chairman of the Hotelplan Group Board of Directors and Head of the Retail Department at the Federation of Migros Cooperatives, commented: “We are delighted to have found a highly renowned new owner in DERTOUR Group. DERTOUR is ideally placed to continue the successful development of the Hotelplan Group brands.”

Laura Meyer, CEO of Hotelplan Group, adds: “We are looking forward to this new chapter with DERTOUR Group as the new owner of our travel retail and tour operating business in Switzerland, Germany, and the United Kingdom. DERTOUR Group shares our passion for travel and brings exciting opportunities for our company and our customers – and they value our dedicated and talented teams.”

Leif Vase Larsen, CEO International and member of the Executive Board of DERTOUR Group emphasises: “We have always relied on strong brands in our local markets, which we are successfully developing as a group. We were already able to demonstrate this with the acquisition of the Kuoni travel business in 2015, whose brands have since enjoyed significant growth.”

Brands and booking channels unchanged

The takeover guarantees continuity for guests and sales partners: all booked holidays and business trips will be carried out as planned. The popular brands within the Hotelplan Group will continue to operate as usual and can be reached via the usual service contacts and booking channels.

The DERTOUR Group intends to successfully develop the business areas of Hotelplan. The employees will be transferred accordingly upon completion of the acquisition. “Employees are at the centre of our Group strategy. The competent and committed colleagues of the Hotelplan Group are crucial for the growth we are aiming for, and we warmly welcome them to the DERTOUR Group,” emphasises Burmester.

As a member of the international DERTOUR Group, Hotelplan will have access to a large, global partner network. In addition, system and production advantages can be realised through the tourism group alliance, which will enable even more attractive offers. “In future, guests will benefit from an even wider range of offers,” explains Burmester.

Realising shared benefits

With the acquisition of Hotelplan, DERTOUR Group is taking the next long-term growth step and intends to benefit more from economies of scale in the tour operator business in future. Among other things, this will be based on a joint technological platform in the volume tour operator business. “We have in-depth tourism expertise and are therefore an ideal partner for the Hotelplan tour operator brands,” explains Larsen. “In tourism today, IT systems for reservations, bookings, purchasing and production are key success factors. We have invested heavily in this area in recent years and are thus providing the answer to one of the biggest challenges facing the tourism industry. The major tour operator brands in the Hotelplan Group will also benefit from our scalable platform in future. At the same time, we are benefiting from the strategic investments in digital solutions made by the Hotelplan Group.”

In addition to the further development of the volume business, the Hotelplan brands for special tours will in future have access to the DERTOUR Group’s cross-national specialist organisation, which is tailored to the needs of smaller specialist tour operators and coordinates growth initiatives in this segment with the respective country units.

The DERTOUR Group thus sees the takeover as a long-term investment in the Swiss, UK and German tourism business that will bring significant benefits to both sides. “My message is clear,” emphasises Burmester. “Today is a good day for employees, guests and partners. The move creates continuity and further strengthens the Hotelplan Group’s popular brands and we’re looking forward to the opportunity it presents.”

Media contact

Corporate Communications

t: +49 69 9588-8000

[email protected]

All press releases
and further information about the DERTOUR Group can be found on www.dertour-group.com.

About DERTOUR Group

The DERTOUR Group, based in Cologne, is the travel division of the REWE Group. It is one of the leading travel groups in Europe. Over 130 companies belong to the DERTOUR Group. It employs over 10,000 people in 16 European countries. Every year, millions of guests travel with one of its tour operators or specialists. The DERTOUR Group includes the tour operators DERTOUR, ITS, Meiers Weltreisen, Kuoni, Helvetic Tours, ITS Coop Travel, Billa Reisen, Koning Aap, Apollo, Exim Tours and Fischer, around 2,000 travel agencies (including DERTOUR, DERPART, Kuoni, Exim, Fischer and franchise and cooperation partners), hotel brands such as Sentido, Aldiana and Calimera and the online travel portal Prijsvrij Vakanties. The DERTOUR Group is also active locally for its guests: with 71 offices, the Group’s own agency network is present in 31 travel destinations. The employees of the destination agencies look after DERTOUR Group guests from arrival to departure at their holiday destination. Further information can be found at www.dertour-group.com.

About Hotelplan Group

The Hotelplan Group is an international travel group specialising in leisure and business travel. Its headquarters are situated in Glattbrugg in Switzerland. The Hotelplan Group employs about 2500 people at 238 locations and operates branches, local service offices and business travel centres in 20 countries. The Group generated turnover of CHF 1.78 billion in 2024. Its business units include Hotelplan Suisse, Switzerland’s largest tour operator, with the brands travelhouse, tourisme pour tous, and its Volume Tour Operating division, which offers beach holidays and city breaks via the tour-operator brands Hotelplan, Migros Ferien and vtours. Hotelplan UK is one of the UK’s largest skiing and hiking holiday specialists, with the brands Inghams, Inntravel, Santa’s Lapland and Explore Worldwide. Its portfolio also includes Interhome, one of Europe’s leading holiday-home specialists, as well as the two business travel specialists bta first travel and Finass Reisen.

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EU’s Regulatory Shift: A Boon for Small Tech Firms

New EU regulations targeting tech monopolies promise to level the playing field, offering unprecedented opportunities for smaller tech companies to thrive. Explore how these changes could reshape the industry.

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In a decisive move aimed at curbing the dominance of technology giants, the European Union has implemented a suite of new regulations designed to foster competition and innovation within the industry. Announced by the European Commission on May 21, 2026, these measures are part of a broader strategy to dismantle monopolistic practices and empower smaller players in the tech sector. The Financial Times reported that this regulatory shift could herald a new era for startups and small businesses, offering them a unique opportunity to compete on a more level playing field.

For years, the EU has tussled with tech behemoths over issues ranging from data privacy to market monopolies. These latest regulations, however, mark a significant escalation in the EU’s efforts to promote fair competition. By targeting the monopolistic practices that have long stifled smaller competitors, the EU aims to dismantle barriers that have historically protected the interests of large corporations. This shift is timely, as innovation increasingly emerges from smaller tech companies that often lack the resources to challenge established giants.

The current regulatory framework introduces stringent measures that impose limits on data sharing, promote transparency in algorithms, and mandate interoperability between platforms. These measures, as detailed by the European Commission, aim to dismantle the walls that have allowed tech giants to corner markets and stifle competition. Smaller firms, often more agile and innovative, stand to benefit immensely. By ensuring that platforms cannot unfairly prioritize their own services, these regulations open doors for startups to enter markets previously dominated by a few large players.

Market analysts have noted that these changes could lead to a renaissance in tech innovation across Europe. Smaller companies, unburdened by the constraints of battling entrenched incumbents, are likely to experiment with new technologies and business models. For instance, the requirement for interoperability could lead to the development of new collaborative platforms that challenge existing ecosystems. As a result, consumers may see a surge in diverse product offerings tailored to specific needs, driven by smaller companies eager to carve out niche markets.

The response from tech giants has been predictably cautious. While some have expressed willingness to comply, others have raised concerns about the potential for stifling innovation and increasing operational costs. However, proponents of the regulations argue that true innovation thrives in competitive environments. By breaking the hold of tech monopolies, the EU is not only fostering a fairer market but also driving the industry towards a more dynamic and responsive future.

Looking ahead, these regulatory changes could catalyze a shift in the global tech landscape. As smaller companies gain traction and challenge the status quo, the ripple effects may extend beyond Europe, influencing regulatory approaches worldwide. This development promises to reshape the dynamics of the tech industry, offering a glimpse of a future where innovation is driven by diversity and competition, rather than the dominance of a select few.

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AI Revolutionizes Cryptocurrency Trading with Real-Time Analysis

AI algorithms are transforming cryptocurrency trading by offering real-time analysis and unprecedented efficiency. This article explores the technological advancements and their impact on the crypto market.

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Artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping the cryptocurrency trading landscape, a fact made clear by recent reports from Bloomberg. The integration of AI algorithms into trading strategies is providing unprecedented real-time analysis and efficiency, a development that is attracting significant attention from investors eager to capitalize on the volatile yet lucrative crypto markets.

In May 2026, Bloomberg highlighted how AI technologies are enabling traders to process vast amounts of market data at speeds unattainable by human analysts. This capability allows for the detection of patterns and trends that might otherwise go unnoticed, offering a competitive edge to those who harness these tools. The real-time nature of these analyses means traders can make decisions based on the most current market conditions, enhancing the potential for profitable trades.

The application of AI in cryptocurrency trading is not merely a theoretical concept but a practical reality transforming investment strategies. For instance, hedge funds and institutional investors are increasingly relying on machine learning models to predict price movements and optimize trading algorithms. These models can analyze a myriad of factors, from market sentiment to historical price data, adjusting trading strategies dynamically in response to new information.

AI’s role in enhancing trading efficiency is particularly crucial in the cryptocurrency markets, where volatility is a constant challenge. The ability to swiftly process and react to market changes can mean the difference between a lucrative trade and a significant loss. This agility is driving interest from tech-savvy investors who are keen to leverage innovation for financial gain.

However, the rise of AI in cryptocurrency trading is not without its challenges. Regulators are grappling with the implications of these technologies, as traditional oversight mechanisms struggle to keep pace with rapid technological advancements. There is an ongoing debate about the need for new regulatory frameworks to ensure fair and transparent trading practices.

Despite these challenges, the potential benefits of AI in cryptocurrency trading are substantial. As the technology continues to evolve, it is likely to drive further innovation in the financial sector, offering new opportunities for growth and investment. Investors and firms that can effectively integrate AI into their trading strategies are poised to thrive in this new digital era.

The future of cryptocurrency trading appears increasingly intertwined with AI technology. As more traders adopt these advanced tools, the market dynamics will likely shift, favoring those who can adapt quickly to technological changes. The ongoing integration of AI into cryptocurrency trading not only heralds a new era of financial innovation but also underscores the transformative power of technology in shaping the future of finance.

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The Rise of Green Finance in Europe: Challenges and Limitations

Explore the burgeoning field of green finance in Europe, focusing on the critical challenges and limitations that could shape its future. This article provides a thorough analysis of the barriers to sustainable investment growth and the potential implications for investors.

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As the sun rises over Europe’s financial districts, a new wave of investment strategies is beginning to take shape. Green finance, a term that encapsulates financial investments flowing into sustainable and environmentally friendly projects, is gaining traction across the continent. However, beneath the surface of this promising trend lie significant challenges that could impede its progress.

The current landscape of green finance in Europe is characterized by an increasing number of funds and initiatives aimed at supporting sustainable development. The European Union has been at the forefront, implementing a comprehensive framework that encourages green investments. This includes the EU Green Deal and the Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulation (SFDR), which aim to direct capital flows towards sustainable economic activities. Despite these efforts, the journey towards a universally green financial system is fraught with obstacles.

One of the primary challenges facing green finance is the lack of standardized definitions and metrics. What exactly constitutes a ‘green’ investment can vary significantly across regions and sectors, leading to confusion and inconsistency. This lack of clarity can result in greenwashing, where investments are marketed as sustainable without meeting rigorous environmental criteria. The absence of a unified taxonomy complicates efforts to assess and compare the sustainability of different financial products.

Moreover, the transition to green finance is hindered by the existing financial infrastructure. Traditional financial systems are deeply entrenched, often prioritizing short-term gains over long-term sustainability. This systemic inertia makes it difficult for green initiatives to gain a foothold. Additionally, many investors are still skeptical about the profitability of sustainable investments, perceiving them as risky or less lucrative compared to conventional options.

Another significant limitation is the uneven distribution of green finance across Europe. While countries like Germany and the Nordic nations have made substantial progress in integrating sustainable practices, others lag behind due to economic and regulatory disparities. This imbalance poses a challenge to achieving a cohesive and effective green finance strategy across the continent.

The role of technology and innovation in overcoming these challenges cannot be overstated. Advancements in fintech, such as blockchain and artificial intelligence, have the potential to enhance transparency and efficiency in green finance. These technologies can help track and verify the environmental impact of investments, thus building trust and credibility in the market.

Despite these hurdles, the future of green finance in Europe holds promising opportunities. As awareness of climate change grows, so does the demand for sustainable financial products. Investors are increasingly recognizing the long-term benefits of aligning their portfolios with environmental goals. Furthermore, regulatory pressures and societal expectations are likely to drive more companies towards sustainable practices, thereby expanding the scope of green finance.

In conclusion, while the rise of green finance in Europe is a step in the right direction, it is not without its challenges. Addressing the issues of standardization, infrastructure, and regional disparities will be crucial in unlocking the full potential of sustainable investments. As Europe navigates these complexities, the outcome will not only shape the future of its financial markets but also its commitment to a sustainable global economy.

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