Malcolm Kerr, Managing Director of Horwath HTL UK has been talking to prominent executives and advisors to get their perspective on the major challenges facing owners and how they are preparing for an uncertain future.
Westminster’s 3,700 bars, restaurants and pubs, 56 theatres, 21 LGBTQI+ night time venues and world-class retail and cultural offerings are ready to jump back to life. The hotel industry will be playing a vital part in contributing to the safe and successful reopening this summer.
London’s short-term rental industry recorded slightly lower performance levels from the previous month, according to June 2021 data from STR.
U.S. Travel Association Executive Vice President of Public Affairs and Policy Tori Emerson Barnes issued the following statement on the Biden administration’s decision to uphold travel restrictions:
Global luxury hospitality company Jumeriah Group today announced its European flagship hotel, The Carlton Tower Jumeirah, opened in the heart of London's fashionable Knightsbridge district following an extensive 18-month revitalization estimated at $137 million.Previously known as Jumeirah Carlton Tower, The Carlton Tower Jumeirah launches under a new name to reflect the significance of the most extensive transformation in all its history. Originally designed 60 years ago by Henry End, also responsible for the interiors of New York's Plaza Hotel, the five-star property was thoughtfully redesigned by 1508 London to cater to a new generation of discerning guests. While respecting the building's original, clean modernist style, the esteemed design studio layered an eclectic mix inspired by the architecture of surrounding mansion blocks and homes with soft curved edges, pops of bright color and organic inspired forms throughout.
Premier Inn has opened the doors to its new flagship location in Oxford city centre at Paradise Square, a few metres from the Westgate Shopping Centre.
Rocco Forte Hotels is delighted to announce that Jesus Adorno will be joining Brown's Hotel as Director of Hospitality. As of 31st August, Adorno will work closely with Adam Byatt, Matthew Starling and Abigail Clark overseeing food and beverage across the hotel, with a focus on Charlie's by Adam Byatt.
For the first time ever, HOSPACE, the annual conference of the Hospitality Professionals Association, is set to be a dual affair this year - as HOSPA partners with HTNG to share hosting responsibilities to build upon the success of HOSPA's 2020 hybrid event.
Nicole Philips, formerly VP International Hotel Development Planning at Marriott International, is the new Program Director of the MSc in Real Estate, Finance and Hotel Development at Glion Institute of Higher Education in London.Having first joined Glion as a lecturer in September 2018, Nicole brings over 25 years' experience in hospitality and real estate industries across Europe, Middle East and Africa to her new role as Program Director. She worked for Marriott International for 16 years during which time she supported the expansion of the company in the region.Amongst her areas of responsibility were the scheduling of all feasibility projects, departmental training and appraisals, and preparing facility recommendations and financial projections for proposed hotels. Before that, Nicole worked for HVS International in both London and Singapore, having previously been engaged with a number of hotel operations departments in Europe and the USA. Nicole holds an MBA in Hospitality Management from IMHI (Cornell University - Essec School of Management).Under Nicole's leadership, the MSc in Real Estate, Finance and Hotel Development prepares students for careers in international hotel development and asset management, real estate investment, and investment strategies and financing. Modules covers areas such as business and financial analytics, mergers and acquisitions, portfolio valuations and private equity. Graduates from the program, which launched two years ago, have subsequently gone into positions at Altus Group (analyst), CBRE Global Investment Partners (investment analyst), Xenium Advisors (associate finance advisory) and Zoku Hotels (finance administrator).
Virginia Messina, WTTC Senior Vice President, said: "Today we should reflect on how hard won our newly re-found ‘freedoms’ are, which have been curbed for the best part of 18 months as together we have fought against the pandemic - at huge social, economic and personal cost.
Rediscover the City and celebrate summer at Four Seasons Hotel London at Ten Trinity Square as it reopens its doors to guests this July. From extraordinary new culinary experiences and innovative cocktail menus to results-driven spa treatments, guests are invited to reconnect with family and friends and embrace everything that the City of London has to offer.
Independent Hotelier and current Chairman of the group, Tim Rumney will take over from Rob Paterson later this month as Interim CEO later this month. Rob Paterson, who joined BWH Hotel Group in 2018, has decided to leave the brand which represents almost 300 independently owned hotels in GB. In his place, Tim Rumney, who has been Chairman of the group's board for five years and Board Member for 12 years, is stepping into the role of Interim CEO for a period of at least six months, providing stability and continuity for employees and hotels within the membership organisation.On Rob's departure and his new role within BWH Hotel Group, Tim Rumney said:"It has been a pleasure working alongside Rob since 2018, where his commercial acumen and hospitality expertise has truly benefitted our brand portfolio. At a time where hospitality businesses are still suffering, I am proud to be stepping in as Interim CEO for the brand, to continue the great work Rob and his team have been doing throughout the pandemic, to best support our hotels.We have exciting opportunities ahead of us to refocus the organisation for our members as we emerge from the pandemic and move into the recovery mode as a more effective commercial business whilst retaining our 'by hotelier for hotelier' ethos."Earlier this year, the membership organisation reported a surge in new hotels joining their brand portfolio, including the addition of World Hotels Distinctive Collection Ten Hill Place in Edinburgh, taking its total to almost 300 members.
The long-awaited and delayed UEFA European Football Championship has stolen most of Europe’s attention over the past several weeks, but it’s not the only major sporting event staging a comeback.
Standard Hotels announces the promotion of Elli Jafari to Managing Director of The Standard, London.
STR's preliminary June 2021 data for London hotels showed its highest performance levels since the start of the pandemic.
A new 85-bedroom hotel in Thurso in the Scottish Highlands has opened creating the most northerly Premier Inn in Whitbread's growing network.
The Franklin London - Starhotels Collezione has appointed Mishaal Eid as Hotel Manager, responsible for the day-to-day operations of one of London's most stylish boutique hotels.
Virginia Messina, WTTC Senior Vice President, said: "Holidaymakers and the Travel & Tourism sector will breathe a sigh of relief now that quarantine-free holidays have been given the green light by the government for those that have been fully jabbed. “While it’s a step in the right direction, there is still a long way to go before holidays become truly affordable - and accessible. The requirement for PCR tests to return from amber list countries will remain, pricing out many hard-working families from being able to take holidays abroad.“And though it's great news for the double jabbed and under-18’s who also are exempt from quarantines, it still leaves more than one in three UK adults who’ve only received a single dose, forced into quarantine when they arrive back in the UK from an amber list country.“Countries must take a coordinated and harmonised approach and align policies to avoid confusion among holidaymakers who need easy to understand rules and regulations more than ever before.”
The hottest hotel launch in London this year is confirmed to open its doors to guests in September 2021. The much-anticipated debut of The Londoner marks the beginning of a rebirth for Leicester Square and the introduction of the world's first super boutique hotel. From one of the UK's largest family-owned hotel group Edwardian Hotels London, The Londoner is set to amaze both Londoners and the city's international guests with a staggering 350 rooms, 16 storeys, six concept eateries, a unique members club-style private area, a wealth of meeting and event space, cinema and an entire floor dedicated to wellness. Designed in collaboration with world-renowned architectural designers Yabu Pushelberg, the opening of The Londoner marks a pivotal moment in the return and scale of global hospitality.
The latest monthly tracking study conducted with members of the UK Short Term Accommodation Association (STAA) shows that there was an improvement in bookings and revenue in April both on a month-on-month and year-on-year basis. It also found that members had an 80% confidence rating about the prospects for the short term rentals sector for the remainder of this year.