Hotelplan deal in the waiting loop: What is important now

Around 70 travel professionals from across German-speaking Switzerland gathered on Thursday and Friday at the Dertour Suisse tourism industry get-together at the Valbella Resort in Graubünden – to be inspired, to develop new perspectives together and to discuss current industry topics.

The focus was not only on the Dertour Suisse brand portfolio and innovative solutions for a successful future in the industry, but also on personal exchange: networking at eye level – with a view of the Grisons mountains.

One topic was omnipresent: the announced takeover of Hotelplan by the Dertour Group, which had become known almost two months ago after tough negotiations. To prevent this from becoming the dominant topic of conversation, Stephanie Schulze zur Wiesch, CEO of Dertour Suisse, went on the offensive right at the start of the conference.

She addressed the most important questions about the deal, aiming to communicate transparently and provide clarity. Travelnews summarizes the key points.

Since February 12, 2025, when the acquisition was announced, it has been very quiet. What is going on at the moment?

Such a takeover process takes place in several phases, explained Stephanie Schulze zur Wiesch. Two central terms are crucial here: «What we communicated in mid-February was the so-called signing», said the CEO of Dertour Suisse. This is a binding declaration of intent to take over Hotelplan – albeit subject to the approval of all relevant authorities. This review process is now underway. The next step is the so-called closing, the moment when all regulatory hurdles have been cleared and the acquisition can be formally completed. “We are now waiting for this – so that we can officially close the deal and move forward together into the future», said Schulze zur Wiesch.

When can we expect the deal to be closed?

Stephanie Schulze zur Wiesch was unable to give a specific date for the closing – the decision-making process is too uncertain. «This is entirely in the hands of the relevant authorities», she emphasized. The Dertour Group has no influence on this. However, she promised: «As soon as we get the green light, we will of course inform both the public and the industry immediately.»

What does the completion of the acquisition mean for the employees of Hotelplan and Dertour Suisse?

Stephanie Schulze zur Wiesch made it clear that nothing will change for the current travel season. «All existing contracts remain valid», emphasized the CEO of Dertour Suisse. Systems, commission models and all agreements will also remain unchanged, according to the travel manager. She did not want to speculate about the coming year, but did hint: «As things stand, I assume that everything will continue as usual in 2026 as well.»

Is there already an intensive exchange between the management teams?

«As long as the closing has not taken place, our hands are tied in this regard», explained Stephanie Schulze zur Wiesch. Only after the takeover process has been completed can the joint work begin. «As soon as the first results of this in-depth collaboration are available, we will, of course, communicate them transparently», she announced.

Kuoni and Hotelplan currently operate around 150 branches. How many will be closed after the takeover?

«We will do everything we can to maintain continuity – the clear message is: everything will stay as it is.» However, this statement was not without qualification. «What Hotelplan has done so far and what we regularly do will remain part of our entrepreneurial thinking in the future», said Schulze zur Wiesch. This includes, for example, regularly reviewing the profitability of individual branches – and in certain cases it may make sense to merge locations in order to remain sustainably successful.

Will there be joint headquarters for Dertour Suisse and Hotelplan in the future – and where would they be located?

«We haven't even looked into that yet», explained Stephanie Schulze zur Wiesch. In principle, teams work better when they are closer together – but a shared location is not currently under discussion. «The topic is not yet on the agenda», said the CEO of Dertour Suisse. In addition, there are existing rental contracts that must of course be adhered to. «At this point in time, I simply cannot say what the future will bring in this regard.»