Hotelplan Group again witnessed a strong customer appetite for travel in the last business year. The travel concern achieved total turnover of CHF 1,730.7 million. This represents a significant, 20.6% increase over the prior year's performance.

Hotelplan Group can look back on an exceptionally successful 2022/2023 financial year (1 November 2022 to 31 October 2023). All business units increased their revenue over the previous year's figures. With generated turnover of CHF 1,730.7 million, the prior-year result was clearly outstripped by 20.6% overall. This represents a 45.7% increase in turnover compared to the last pandemic-free financial year of 2018/2019. In operational terms (including the acquisition of vtours), turnover rose by 2.5% compared to 2018/2019. "We have left the pandemic behind and felt a strong customer appetite for travel. I am grateful for how our staff have shown great passion and commitment in making exceptional travel experiences possible. At the same time, we have continued to drive our strategic goals forward," says Hotelplan Group CEO Laura Meyer.

Business units at a glance
At Hotelplan Suisse, the demand for individual travel experiences rose sharply in the past months, which is reflected in a significant increase in revenue at the individual travel specialist brands travelhouse and tourisme pour tous. Travel advice in the 82 Switzerland-wide branches as well as the online business – in particular sales of rail travel packages at Migros Ferien – also saw an upturn. Hotelplan Suisse closed the year under review with turnover of CHF 227.7 million (prior year: CHF 158.2 million).

Travel with the Hotelplan, Migros Ferien and vtours brands was very popular, with the beach holiday and city trip business experiencing an even bigger boom than in the previous year. Volume Tour Operating posted turnover of CHF 857.6 million (prior year: CHF 703.1 million). Finalised at the end of the business year, the IT migration of the German and Swiss teams to a joint booking platform has further strengthened this business unit going forward.

Hotelplan UK also reported a strong performance in the year under review, with all brands of Hotelplan Group's British subsidiary reporting higher revenues. The restructuring of the summer offering at Inghams and the evolution of Explore Worldwide had a notable impact. At the close of the financial year, Hotelplan UK's turnover amounted to GBP 212.4 million (prior year: GBP 150.9 million).

The last financial year was another record-breaking one for the holiday home provider Interhome Group. The holiday rental specialist reported turnover of CHF 389.7 million (prior year: CHF 371.0 million). The increase was achieved in part through Interhome Group further expanding its sales network on various online channels and enhancing the quality of the holiday home and apartment portfolio. Once again, the workation trend was a contributor to the improved performance.

Demand for business travel has continued to rise and – following a somewhat more subdued recovery – is approaching 2019 levels. As in the previous year, both business travel specialists bta first travel and Finass Reisen acquired numerous new customers and consolidated their market position. At the end of the year under review, bta first travel reported turnover of CHF 10.3 million (prior year: CHF 7.5 million). Finass Reisen generated turnover of CHF 6.7 million (prior year: 5.6 million).

Sustainability: constant progress
Hotelplan Group continued to steadily pursue its holistic sustainability strategy. As part of 'One Planet', a process was established to halve greenhouse gas emissions and reach net zero by 2050. Sales of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) were also strongly promoted. 'People & Places' focused on funding sustainability projects by partner businesses. To this end, Hotelplan Group provided CHF 10 million to fund solar power systems for hotels in Turkey among other projects. Besides improving sustainable design in workplaces and business locations, 'Responsible Business' focused on employee development and further training. "Sustainability is a necessity, not a trend. As a travel group, we are very mindful of our responsibility. We have made good progress and there is still much to be done," says Laura Meyer.

Expectations: cautiously optimistic
The business year has got off to a promising start and bookings are up on both 2023 and 2019 levels. The outlook on the current year is cautiously optimistic. Hotelplan Group CEO Laura Meyer: "Although the post-pandemic surge in pent-up demand is largely over, travel remains an important need. To what extent the geopolitical situation, the rising cost of living and the overall economic situation will impact people's enthusiasm for travel remains to be seen. Thanks to our wide product portfolio and our committed and flexible workforce, we are well equipped to meet any challenges the future might bring."

The annual report can be downloaded here.