Latest news and informations

Interhome – Europe's leading provider of holiday homes and apartments – has announced further international expansion by entering into an exclusive partnership with Orascom Hotels & Development S.A.E. of Egypt. The latter is a 100% subsidiary of Orascom Development Holding AG (Orascom Development), a leading developer of fully integrated towns.

From 1 March 2010 Interhome will have its own local office in the Orascom Red Sea resort of El Gouna, making Egypt the 27th country in Interhome’s portfolio of destinations. Orascom Development and Interhome are considering further cooperation in the luxury sector.

Orascom Development, founded and headed by Egyptian entrepreneur Samih Sawiris, specializes in the design and development of integrated towns. The group's largest project – the Red Sea resort of El Gouna – is an integrated holiday and leisure destination comprising some 2600 villas and apartments. From 1 March 2010, Swiss-based Interhome will be present in El Gouna with a branded local office and dedicated staff. Interhome will offer both a full range of letting and administrative services to El Gouna property owners, and a wide choice of top quality holiday accommodation to international holidaymakers. An exclusive cooperation agreement between Interhome and Orascom Hotels & Development S.A.E., a 100% subsidiary of Orascom Development, has been concluded for this purpose.

El Gouna – a unique Red Sea resort
For Interhome guests, the new partnership opens up exciting new vacation opportunities and attractions – villas with private pools and gardens, as well as spacious apartments, all scenically set in a unique beach and lagoon landscape. The resort’s wide range of leisure-and-pleasure attractions includes more than 100 bars and restaurants, a golf course, marinas and many other sporting activities. El Gouna also comprises 15 premium sector hotels totalling more than 2700 rooms. Guests can take advantage of excellent flight connections to Hurghada airport, with non-stop scheduled air service currently available from 30 cities across Europe. El Gouna can be reached by car from Hurghada airport in just half an hour.

In addition to this new partnership, Orascom Development and Interhome are considering further possible cooperation in the luxury segment. Interhome Group CEO Simon Lehmann comments: «We are proud to add the uniquely impressive resort of El Gouna to our portfolio. This agreement is a significant milestone in our growth strategy.» Orascom Development Chairman and CEO, Samih Sawiris, says: «Interhome is an ideal cooperation partner for Orascom Develoment. With its strong international distribution network and top quality services, Interhome perfectly complements our own range of activities.»

Soccer sets its sights on South Africa – Interhome already on the ball!

The world of football is already focusing its attention on the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa. Interhome of Switzerland, one of Europe’s leading providers of holiday homes is expanding its international portfolio of properties by entering the market in South Africa. Carefully selected homes and apartments can already be booked via the Interhome Retailer website www.interhome-retailer.com

The 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa may be months away – but Interhome is already on the ball. The Switzerland-based provider of holiday homes and apartments has added South Africa to its expanding international portfolio of destinations. More than 40 properties in that country are already bookable online. By the end of November 2009 the figure will be 70.

Says Interhome CEO Simon Lehmann: «South Africa is proving an increasingly popular destination – and not only because of next year’s Football World Cup. This country has become one of the world’s most attractive countries for travel and tourism. Interhome has been closely monitoring developments in South Africa for years, and in particular the situation in the holiday homes sector. We see this as the ideal time to enter this promising market.»

Interhome supports young South African players – sponsors football team
But Interhome’s interest in South Africa is not restricted to the holiday homes market. The company is also supporting financially a project (www.bafangkids.org) aimed at opening up the sport of football to underprivileged young players. In this way the company is, in effect, sponsoring its own team, which plays in Interhome shirts and is able to afford its own football equipment.

When the world’s top soccer super-stars take to the pitch next year, Interhome will be ready for the big occasion. With its expanding range of attractive holiday homes and apartments in South Africa, the company looks forward to welcoming football fans from throughout the world.

Holiday homes in South Africa

We have just added a large selection of villas and apartments with pool for rent on the beautiful island of Mallorca, Spain.

Enjoy the comfort and space of your own self-catering holiday home on one of the most famous Balearic Islands, Mallorca.

Mallorca, Spain - Villas with pool

We now have 80 holiday apartments available in Rome. Sleeping 2 - 11 persons.

One of the symbols of Rome is the Colosseum, the largest amphitheatre ever built in the Roman Empire. Originally capable of seating 60,000 spectators, it was used for gladiatorial combat. A list of other important monuments of ancient Rome includes Roman Forum, Pantheon, the Catacombs, Circus Maximus, the Baths of Caracalla, Castle Sant'Angelo, the Mausoleum of Augustus and Bocca della Verità. Ever been to Rome? No? Well then it's about time!

Your home in Rome starts here

Interhome of Switzerland – Europe's fastest-growing holiday homes group has reported a 300% increase in the use of their Australian website over the previous 3 month period.

Says Interhome Australia / New Zealand regional director Chris Patterson: «There has been a very encouraging uptake by travel agents to register online and become an Interhome-Reseller. Travel agencies in increasing numbers are now utilizing our dedicated travel industry website www.interhome-retailer.com and travel affiliates are linking to our website on a commission earned basis»

«Sign up now»
Over 46,000 holiday homes in 24 countries are now available online. Instant confirmation and documentation is available. Rates are in AUD$ and guaranteed once a reservation is confirmed. To become an Interhome Reseller or Affiliate please see www.interhome.com.au and click on the main menu Travel Agents & Affiliates.

Partner link

Interhome of Switzerland – Europe's fastest-growing holiday homes group – is launching a major reorganization of its Call Center operations.

From 1 September 2009, these activities in the country organizations concerned will be outsourced to the Interhome subsidiary, «dialogs 24/7 s.r.o.» in Prague. The decision is a proactive initiative aimed at further enhancing growth and at improving the increasingly important service aspect of holiday accommodation rental. The outsourcing of national Call Center operations will result in staff cutbacks in the individual countries concerned.

Says Interhome Group CEO Simon Lehmann: «Interhome faces the future with confidence and is confident of further growth in the holiday homes sector. With this initiative we are taking the measures required to further enhance our leading role as a holiday homes specialist.» By outsourcing Call Center operations to the Interhome subsidiary, «dialogs 24/7 s.r.o.» in Prague, the Swiss holiday homes specialist intends to achieve more rapidly its goal of becoming European leader on the property rental market. The aim is also to optimize Call Center operations, enhance efficiency and further improve service levels and client satisfaction. Interhome will continue to provide clients with top quality 24-hour service – a USP in the holiday home sector in Europe.

«Right time for action»
Simon Lehmann adds: «We are convinced that this is the right time for such action. These anti-cyclical measures are possible, because we are a financially sound enterprise. And despite the current global crisis, our business model ensures that we are well-positioned and motivated to succeed. For 2009 we are on course, and we expect to improve on last year's overall results.»

The Call Center reorganization will affect some 60 personnel in Interhome's European operations. Altogether a total of 40 jobs will be lost. The reduction in personnel will be partly offset by natural staff turnover. Internal staff changes and solutions have been agreed upon. In all other cases, mutually acceptable agreements have been negotiated. Interhome currently employs a total of 303 staff. Implementation of the Call Center reorganization will commence on 1 September 2009, and be concluded on a step-by-step basis by the summer of 2010.

Escape the hustle and bustle of the city to an island on Lake Maggiore in the northern Italian Lakes region.

Isola Pescatori: Old apartment house, 3 storeys, renovated in 2008, in the centre of Isola Pescatori, 30 m from the lake, in a pedestrian precinct. Grocers 100 m, restaurant, bar 20 m, pebble beach 50 m. House is situated on the characteristic Isola Pescatori (Isole Borromee), reachable by ferry from Stresa (3 stops) or Baveno (1 stop). Cars can not enter on island, you will have to leave them in Stresa or Baveno. Connection with the island is guaranteed until 20.00hrs. Specialist rental agency Interhome (1800 257 171; property ref IT2013.100.2) has prices starting from just A$848 for the week in a 3* two bedroom apartment for up to 5 people.

Holiday apartment on Isola Pescatori

The 2* ‘Grand Ourse’ is an unusually designed apartment block with incredible views of Cervinia and the Aosta Valley, Italy.

Guests can enrol in ski classes directly at the residence and the ski bus stop is just 50m from the entrance. The apartment is a practical choice for a small family and contains all holidaymakers need for a fantastic week on the Italian pistes.
Call Interhome 1800 257 171; www.interhome.com.au property ref IT3070.150.1 ‘Grand Ourse’ with prices starting from A$1,000 for seven nights for 5 people in 2 bedrooms.Travel not included.

Holiday apartment in Cervinia Aosta Valley, Italy Grand'Ourse

Interhome has a 4* holiday apartment near Gerlos, Tirol, that is designed to be child friendly and even comes with a discount on services at the local ski school.

Cots, bread roll service and even a daily breakfast can be booked on request. The apartment has a modern kitchen and satellite TV, plus benefits from a free of charge ski bus and ski storage. Due to its fantastic position a car is not even required.
Call Interhome 1800 257 171; www.interhome.com.au property ref AT6282.520.1 4* Holiday apartment with prices starting from A$1,260 for seven nights for 6 people in 2 bedrooms.Travel not included.

Holiday apartment in Gerlos-Königsleiten Tyrol, Austria

High in the Rhone valley, the car free resort of Saas Fee is one of the most reliable snow sure resorts in the Alps.

This tastefully decorated chalet in the Unnerum Biel area of Saas Fee offers unrivalled panoramic views to the impressive peaks and glaciers. 4* ‘Chalet Alpin – Snowball’ is modern and comfortable with DVD, satellite TV and bunk beds for the kids. The chalet is a practical choice for a family and contains all holidaymakers need for a fantastic week in Switzerland. Call Interhome on 1800 257 171; property ref CH3906.71.1 4* Chalet Alpin – Snowball with prices starting from A$2,210 for seven nights for 6 people in 3 bedrooms.Travel not included

Alpin-Snowball, Holiday house in Saas Fee Valais, Switzerland

Looking for an escapist retreat with a difference? Try this quirky Austrian hideaway for size with a freestanding sauna on its roof terrace with amazing mountain views!

Specialist rental agency Interhome (1800 257 171; www.interhome.com.au property ref AT6103.130.1) has prices starting from A$753 in a 3* apartment in Seefeld in the Tyrol, nestled just 30 minutes from Innsbruck, for 7 nights sleeping up to 4 people in 2 bedrooms. Travel not included.

Holiday apartment with sauna in Seefeld/Reith Tyrol, Austria

Fancy an alpine break like no other? Stay on an organic farm where guests can stock their cupboards by buying organic products such as cheese, honey and jam.

Specialist rental agency Interhome (1800 257 171; www.interhome.com.au property ref AT5671.121.1) has prices starting from A$804 in the 4* Austrian bolt hole “Droadkost'n", on an organic farm in Bruck, linking to the expansive Europasport ski region for 7 nights sleeping up to 3 people in 2 rooms. Travel not included.

Holiday house in Bruck/Europasportregion Salzburg, Austria

Interhome, Europe’s largest holiday home rental company is performing exceptionally well. Following a successful brand re launch, booking business grew by 5.7% to CHF 196.4 million. Turnover reached a record CHF 211.9 million (+1.4%). As a result of new cooperation agreements, the group is now ideally placed for further sustainable growth.

The 2007/08 business year can be considered as a milestone year for the Switzerland-based Interhome Group. The year saw the successful re launch of the Interhome brand. And for the first time the group welcomed more than half a million guests (525,117) to its now 46,000 holiday home properties in 21 countries. Group turnover increased 1.4% to CHF 211.9 million, while booking business climbed 5.7% to CHF 196.4 million.

The largest increase in percentage terms was recorded by the source markets Russia (+59%), Germany (+14%), Poland (+13.7%) and France (+13.3%). Bookings from Swiss clientele also rose by 7.9%. Interhome registered a boom in winter bookings, with turnover up an impressive 14.1%. The top winter destination growth markets were Austria (+16.6%) and Switzerland (+13.5%).

Following its successful 2007/08 business year, Interhome is confident of continued growth. With effect from 1 January 2009, the group has been targeting the vast Indian source market. This is being achieved under a cooperation deal with the office in India of the Switzerland Travel Centre (STC), the holiday broker of Switzerland Tourism. Other new partnership agreements were concluded in 2008, ensuring access to two further source markets – the United States and the United Arab Emirates. Interhome CEO Simon Lehmann said: «We want to open our expanding portfolio of holiday homes and apartments to other interesting markets.»

Interhome and Switzerland Tourism launch strategic partnership

Interhome – Switzerland's largest holiday homes provider – and Switzerland Tourism – (the
national tourism marketing organization) have launched a strategic partnership. Both
Interhome and Switzerland Tourism are strong brands which stand for quality and reliability.
Under their new cooperation deal, they will make use of important synergies to enhance
Switzerland's position as a preferred holiday destination on Swiss and foreign markets.

The holiday apartments sector has long been making an important contribution to the success of the tourism industry in Switzerland – and it continues to gain in popularity. Particularly in times of economic downturn more and more tourists opt for holiday apartments, which invariably offer a better price-performance ratio than hotels. That is another reason why Interhome – Switzerland's leading holiday homes provider – and Switzerland Tourism have decided to combine their core competences so that both can benefit from valuable synergies. The main purpose of the strategic partnership is to strengthen Switzerland's international position as a top tourism destination brand.

Interhome and Switzerland Tourism will conduct joint marketing activities to enhance their respective profiles within Switzerland and abroad. The aim is also to further cultivate existing client groups, while also targeting new customer segments. Additionally, the partnership will permit the integration of Switzerland Tourism's services into the Interhome website and create added value for clients.

Interhome's extensive portfolio in Switzerland currently comprises some 2800 quality-controlled holiday properties nationwide. Says Jürg Schmid, Director of Switzerland Tourism: «The strong brand backing of Interhome will enable us to market Switzerland in a more effective and sustainable way as a top quality holiday destination.» Interhome Group CEO Simon Lehmann also sees the new deal as an important milestone: «The Switzerland Tourism slogan – 'Get natural' – is ideally suited to Interhome's own philosophy combining well-being, authenticity and quality.» The new joint communication strategy will focus on Switzerland Tourism's «Alpine Summer» and «Winter» campaigns.

Interhome expands in USA

Interhome of Switzerland – Europe's fastest-growing holiday homes group – is launching major expansion in the United States. It has concluded a cooperation agreement with ResortQuest, the leading US company specializing in vacation property rental. The deal will create the largest vacation rental management network in the world.

Under the two-way tie-up, Florida-based ResortQuest will market to holidaymakers Interhome's 30,000 rental properties in 20 European countries. Interhome will market to its customers ResortQuest's 16,000 vacation rental units in the USA. The agreement guarantees exclusivity to both partners.

The agreement will run initially for three years and take effect from 31 July 2008, from which date the booking systems of both companies will be interlinked. Full integration will be completed by the end of July 2009. Both companies will continue to operate under their respective brand names. Interhome’s operations in Fort Lauderdale (Florida) will be transferred to the Resort Quest headquarters in Fort Walton Beach (Florida).

Simon Lehmann, CEO Interhome Group, says: «This cooperation agreement is another major milestone on our way to becoming market leader in Europe by 2010. Interhome and ResortQuest are an ideal match. We share a like-minded philosophy and this is reflected in our respective portfolios – superior quality properties, available year-round in a wide range of holiday destinations. Unlike our main competitors we also offer added value through our extensive networks of local service offices with on-site staff.»

ResortQuest CEO Park Brady said the new alliance with Interhome represented «extraordinary» opportunities for anyone involved in vacation rentals. He added: «This deal will broaden the global presence of both partners, result in greater choice for our guests and increase international business for our homeowners.»

Zurich-based Interhome – launched in Switzerland more than 40 years ago – can claim some half a million clients annually. In addition to properties in 20 European countries, Interhome already handles some 200 units in the USA (Florida) where it has been active for the past 17 years.

ResortQuest – which this year celebrates its 10th anniversary – provides a one-stop rental resource in North America’s premier resort destinations, including beach, ski and golf locations. Its portfolio of nearly 16,000 properties totals some 50,000 rooms and generates annual revenue of US$ 400 million.