Worldwide briefing
Essential news from around the world…
McDonald's opens German pizza parlour
Fast-food giant McDonald's has opened its first Donatos pizza outlet outside the USA, in Munich, Germany. It claims it could open up to 200 Donatos in Germany over the next three years, including take-away outlets as well as sit-down restaurants.
Florida to ban smoking in restaurants Voters in Florida, USA, have approved plans to ban smoking in restaurants and other public places. Legislation to enforce the ban must be in place by July 2003.
German economy drags down hospitality
The hotel and catering industry in Germany turned over 2.7% less in the first six months of 2002 than it did in the first half of 2001, according to official statistics. The German association of hotels and restaurants blamed the industry's difficulties on the stagnating German economy.
US hotel demand remains weak
Continuing concerns about the safety of air travel will hold back demand for hotel rooms in the USA, says consultancy PricewaterhouseCoopers. It expects to see a further increase in the number of hotel room nights lost, from 54,000 a day during the third quarter of 2002 to 61,800 a day in the fourth quarter.
Swiss hotels still suffering
Overnight stays in hotels in Switzerland are set to fall by about 2% this winter, according to Basel-based economic research institute BAK. During 2002 numbers have fallen by about 6%, with hotel stays by overseas visitors dropping by 9%. During 2003 hotel overnights are set to fall by a further 1%.
