Katharina Kotrba is a business journalist covering the luxury travel and hospitality industry for Forbes. Her reporting highlights distinctive properties with a clear USP — whether owner-operated, family-friendly, adults-only or wellness-focused. She examines why certain hotels succeed with guests and what sets them apart in a competitive market. She also covers broader trends in hospitality, from the rise of longevity, fitness and experience-led travel to new hotel openings in Dubai, along with in-depth interviews with industry icons such as Ian Schrager. Based in Europe, she publishes bilingually in English and German and contributes to leading magazines in the DACH region. Kotrba graduated at the top of her class from Colorado’s School of Journalism and holds a master’s degree in journalism from Columbia University. Follow Kat Kotrba for more stories on hospitality industry trendsetters and distinctive luxury hotels.