Christian Buer
Managing Partner, Frankfurt, Germany
Christian Buer is the Managing Partner at Horwath HTL Germany, with a specialisation in the analysis, acquisition and management of hospitality properties.
Bio
Christian Buer is the Managing Partner of Horwath HTL Germany, where he specialises in the analysis, acquisition, and management of hospitality properties. His extensive expertise encompasses all stages of the hospitality project lifecycle, from initial concept development through to operational management and project completion.
Christian is highly experienced in the valuation of hotel properties, with a focus on determining market value and forecasting income potential to ensure optimal return on investment. His strategic approach combines detailed financial assessments with an in-depth understanding of market dynamics, enabling clients to make informed decisions about their hospitality assets.
Beyond his core consultancy work, Christian is actively involved in the development and implementation of comprehensive tourism master plans. He collaborates with stakeholders to drive sustainable growth, improve destination appeal, and enhance visitor experiences. His work reflects a commitment to balancing economic performance with long-term viability and community benefit.
In addition to his professional achievements, Christian contributes to the advancement of the hospitality field through academia. He is a Professor at Heilbronn University and serves on the Board of Experts for Next Generation Development, where he supports initiatives aimed at fostering innovation and leadership within the industry.
Christian holds a PhD from the University of St. Gallen, which underscores his rigorous academic background and analytical capabilities. His combination of professional expertise, strategic insight, and academic contributions positions him as a leading figure in hospitality consultancy and education.
In addition to his core responsibilities, Christian plays a significant role in the development and execution of extensive tourism master plans. He works with stakeholders to foster sustainable growth and enhance the visitor experience. His dedication to the field extends to his academic contributions as a Professor at Heilbronn University and as a Member of the Board of Experts for Next Generation Development.
Christian's Experience
Bold steps forward
We help clients achieve extraordinary outcomes.
Dutch Hotel Portfolio Valuation
Berlin and Osnabruck, Germany
Independent Feasibility Study Evaluation
Belgrade, Serbia
Feasibility Study for Proposed Concept
Neuss, Germany
Operational Analysis & Digital Transformation for SV Group
Multiple locations, Germany
PreOpening Support for Steigenberger GrandHotel and Spa
Heringsdorf, Germany
Strategic Operational Advisory
Biberach, Germany
Feasibility Study for TU Dresden University
Grillenburg, Germany
Feasibility Study for F&B Leases
Koblenz, Germany
Expert insights
Cutting edge analysis.
Emerging trends in hotel design
To understand this development, it’s worth taking a closer look at the key societal themes shaping our time–topics directly reflected in how we think, act, and design. The eleven megatrends identified by the Zukunftsinstitut (Future Institute) illustrate this clearly: Sustainability has become a central factor in economic and social decision-making. At the same time, both an aging population and the younger Generation Z are placing more value on health and well-being.

International investors reshape the german-speaking hotel market
Over the past two decades alone, eight hotel brands in Germany have been acquired by international investors or hotel groups, including Innside (Melià, 2007), Steigenberger (Huazhu/H World, 2019), prizeotel (Radisson, 2019), 25hours (Accor, 2016–2020), me and all (Hyatt, 2024), Novum (IHG, 2024), Ruby (IHG, 2025), and now Motel One (PAI, 2025). A similar trend can be observed in Austria, exemplified by Wyndham’s acquisition of Vienna House in 2022. These consolidations are not only accelerating international expansion for the brands involved but are also reshaping the competitive landscape in German-speaking markets. Mergers create synergies that allow combined brands to offer more competitive pricing, putting pressure on independent hotel operators and locally owned brands. But what makes German and Austrian hotel brands so attractive to international investors

Between visibility and independence – the dominant market position of Booking.com
The online travel agency (OTA) Booking.com was founded in Amsterdam in 1996 and is now one of the best-known international booking portals for vacation accommodation.

New Technology in Hospitality
As part of the 14th Heilbronn Hospitality Symposium, Horwath HTL, together with the Heilbronn Hospitality Symposium, conducted a survey to assess the view of guests in hotels and guests on new technologies.

DACH Region Hotels & Chains Report 2024
Our latest report from the German, Swiss and Austrian hotel markets.

The Brand Bubble: Navigating an overloaded market
Our latest report delves into the evolution of the hotel industry, explores the transformation of the hotel industry over the past few decades, focusing on the shift from ownership to franchising and branding as a strategic response to high costs and risks.
