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Franck Kermarrec has been appointed as Global Chief Marketing Officer at Millennium Hotels and Resorts
Millennium Hotels and Resorts has announced that Mr Franck Kermarrec has been appointed Global Chief Marketing Officer. Kermarrec joins Millennium Hotels and Resorts from Hertz International, an international car rental company, where he worked since 2016 as the Head of Business Strategy.
UK's Hospitality industry's rapid growth under threat without Government support, report claims - telegraph.co.uk
The hospitality industry’s stellar growth since the financial crisis could be halted and start to fall by 2021 if the Government continues to overlook it, a new report has suggested. Research by Ignite Economics, carried out for the British Hospitality Association, has predicted the sector’s workforce could begin to drop by 2021 with the contribution it makes to the economy also falling as cost pressures from wages and business rates bite alongside a potential labour squeeze once the UK leaves the EU.
Travel Brands Falling Short in Chatbot Deployment
The report looked into how far travel brands have made use of Facebook Messenger to deliver customer service and booking to customer. It finds that while 93% of these airlines have a Facebook page, and 81% a Messenger link, only 38% of the 206 contacted responded to researchers' messages, with a third of those contacted taking at least a week to reply.
Opening Of Nobu Hotel Shoreditch
Nobu Hospitality is delighted to announce the opening of Nobu Hotel Shoreditch this Saturday 1st July, located in the heart of London"s artistic quarter. Set back from the lively hub of Great Eastern Street, Nobu Hotel Shoreditch offers a dynamic blend of Nobu"s signature east-meets-west philosophy and Shoreditch"s creative and industrial energy. The property boasts 143 guest rooms and seven suites, meeting space, a lobby bar and 240-seat restaurant, which lies at the heart of the building, spanning almost the entire footprint of the hotel.
Is London Tourism Resilient To Terrorism? | tourism-review.com
On June 3, London was struck by a terror attack on London Bridge. As a result, 8 people were killed and 48 injured. In May, a suicide bomber detonated a bomb at the Manchester Arena, killing 23 people. It is clear, that the attacks had to have an impact on London tourism. But how significant was the impact and is the British capital actually a safe city?
Despite the terror attacks, London is showing signs of resilience. After the London Bridge attack, there was no significant wave of cancellations of air travel to the UK. But there has been a slow-down in the new bookings, according to ForwardKeys. Similar trend has been recorded all around Great Britain.
Morven Finlay has been appointed as Area Human Resources Manager at Dorsett Hospitality International
Based at Dorsett Shepherds Bush, Morven will primarily be responsible for overseeing full Human Resources and Administration of Dorsett Shepherds Bush and Dorsett City, London. Additionally, she will also provide support to the group’s UK London Office & Manchester team including talent resourcing, contract preparation, on boarding/exiting process and payroll processing. Morven reports directly to Hilary Cross, Area General Manager for Dorsett Shepherds Bush and Dorsett City, London. With the added responsibilities, Morven will also work closely with the group’s London Office and Far East Consortium International Office in Hong Kong. Morven has previously developed an extensive 13 years’ experience in Human Resources and Training in several industries; from retail to Food and Beverage and hospitality businesses. Her past portfolio included hotel groups such as Rocco Forte Hotels and Accor Group Hotels. She was most recently the Group Senior HR Manager for a reputable Food & Beverage establishment prior to coming on board with Dorsett Hospitality International.
Nick Aristodemou has been appointed as General Manager at Holiday Inn London - Heathrow Ariel
Nicholas Aristodemou has been appointed General Manager of the 4* Holiday Inn London Heathrow Ariel hotel. Responsible for the management of the 184-bedroom hotel, Nick joins the Heathrow team from the central London Holiday Inn Regent’s Park hotel where he was Hotel Manager for almost three years, previously holding the position of Hotel Manager at the Holiday Inn Guildford.
Trainline.com, Heathrow Airport and App Annie talk app engagement
On July 3, 2017, leading experts from Trainline.com, Heathrow Airport and App Annie will come together to discuss the leading trends in mobile apps and how travel companies can use mobile to elevate their status to becoming the must-have travel companion.
Raffles to open hotel in London’s Old War Office
Accor-owned group teams up with India Hinduja and OHLD of Spain to revamp landmark.
STR: Preliminary May data for London hotels
STR's preliminary May 2017 data for London, England, indicates continued strong performance growth. Based on daily data from May, London reported the following in year-over-year comparisons:
Aysun Mut has been appointed as Spa Director at Corinthia London
Corinthia London announces the appointment of Aysun Mut as Spa Director for the multi-award winning and flagship spa, ESPA Life at Corinthia. In her new role, Aysun will be responsible for guiding the operation and strategy of ESPA Life, ensuring that the spa embodies the five-star luxury standards of Corinthia Hotels’ flagship property and building on ESPA Life’s global reputation as the pioneer of a new generation of spas.
Sanctum Soho hotel rebrands as Karma Sanctum Soho following merger
The Sanctum Soho hotel in London has rebranded as the Karma Sanctum Soho hotel, following a merger with Karma Group.
Perfect storm on the way for UK hospitality industry; Consumers to face increasing prices
The hospitality industry is facing a perfect storm, with more than half of business leaders concerned about rising costs, the employment picture, security, and the sustainability of consumer confidence. Heidrick & Struggles (Nasdaq: HSII), a premier provider of executive search, leadership consulting and culture shaping worldwide, spoke to Chairmen and Chief Executives from some of the biggest organisations in the industry, representing businesses with revenues of over £40 billion and employing more than a million people across the UK. While views on their specific business or sector could vary, the overarching theme was one of significant concern.
Charlotte Pratt appointed Membership and Events Manager of HOSPA
The UK's leading educational organization for Hospitality Finance, Revenue Management, Marketing and IT Professionals, HOSPA, is delighted to announce that Charlotte Pratt has been appointed to the newly created position of HOSPA Membership and Events Manager.
STR: London hotels set to continue strong year with a series of summer events
Following a record-breaking Q1, and in anticipation of several summer events that are likely to boost hotel demand, STR and Tourism Economics have lifted their 2017 market forecast for London, England. STR analysts note that hotel performance in the U.K. capital could reach record actual levels between late June and mid-July. On Wednesday, 28 June, Adele will kick off a four-night concert series at Wembley Stadium. The day following the final show, Wimbledon 2017 begins, positioning the market for a 19-day period that is expected to bring both high occupancy levels and average daily rate (ADR). Adele Wembley Concerts (28 June – 2 July)This hometown series will conclude the Adele Live 2017 tour, which has already broughtsignificant hotel business for many international markets. All four nights are sold out, and STR analysts project that rates for hotels within reasonable access to Wembley Stadium should spike. London hotel rates have reached significantly high levels when other major acts have performed at Wembley:
James Dugan has been appointed as Executive Chef at Sheraton Grand London Park Lane, Mayfair
Former Four Seasons hotel chef James Dugan has been appointed executive chef at the Sheraton Grand London Park Lane, Mayfair. Dugan began his career at the five-starred Chewton Glen hotel in 1993 as commis chef and worked his way up through the luxury hospitality sector. In 1995, he joined the team at the Four Seasons Hotel London at Park Lane, under the Michelin-starred Jean-Christophe Novelli.
Thomas Kochs has been appointed as Managing Director at Corinthia Hotel London
Corinthia Hotel London announces the appointment of leading London hotelier, Thomas Kochs, as its Managing Director, starting in the role on 22 May 2017. Kochs will be responsible for managing Corinthia hotel’s flagship property which opened its doors on Whitehall Place in 2011.
Markus Savage has been appointed as Food and Beverage Director at Blakes Hotel
Blakes Hotel, one of the world’s first luxury boutique hotels, is pleased to announce the appointment of Markus Savage as Food and Beverage Director. Effective as of 21st May 2017, Markus will oversee all of the food and beverage operations at the South Kensington establishment, encompassing the recently relaunched Blakes Restaurant and underground bar, Blakes Below, as well as the newly designed courtyard, The Garden at Blakes. Bringing over 20 years of experience in the restaurant and hospitality industry to the role, he has received various accolades along the way, and gained invaluable experience during his time at some of the most iconic restaurants in London as well as the five-star hotel industry. Markus joins Blakes Hotel following his most recent role as General Manager of HIX Mayfair. Before then he held the title of Events Operations Manager at The Holborn Dining Room at Rosewood Hotel. Markus was responsible at a senior management role to a 200 cover dining room, as well as a separate 30 cover terrace and takeaway deli. In his earlier career Markus built a strong operational background in the food and beverage sector holding positions at The Ivy and J Sheekey’s. He later spent eight years working as Restaurant Manager at The Wolseley and The Delaunay, both of which received critical acclaim under his leadership for outstanding service. As F&B Director, Markus Savage will bring his wealth of experience and innate charm to lead Blakes Hotel’s in-house Restaurant and Bar with impeccable service and detail. Commentating on his new appointment, Markus says ‘I am incredibly excited to assume my role at Blakes Hotel, an establishment that is full of so much history and upholds such a notable reputation in London.’
Safestay moves into Europe with acquisition of U Hostels | thecaterer.com
Luxury hostel brand Safestay is to expand overseas following its acquisition of the U Hostels portfolio of three leasehold properties for €3m (£2.6m).
U Hostels comprises two sites in Madrid and one in Paris. The Madrid properties include a 226-bed luxury hostel with a 15-year lease and the adjacent apartment block made up of 14 one-bedroom and 20 two-bedroom apartments, which will open in 2018 following renovation.