STR: U.K. weekly hotel performance update
Each week, STR analysts provide a deep-dive into U.K. hotel performance. The most recent video, highlighting performance for the week of 13-19 July, is linked below.Key highlights:
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SiteMinder Report: Majority In UK Will Travel In 2020, Seek Flexibility Over Low Cost
A new study by SiteMinder, the global hotel industry's leading guest acquisition platform, has found that more than half of UK locals plan to travel domestically during the remainder of 2020 and, in light of ongoing pandemic, will prioritise flexibility over low cost.
ibis Budget Sheffield Centre – St Mary’s Gate Hotel Launches As Lockdown Lifts
The brand new ibis Budget Sheffield Centre - St Mary's Gate Hotel has finally been unlocked and is set to open on Monday 27th July 2020, as the nationwide lockdown gradually lifts.
Ronnie Kimbugwe has been appointed as Culinary & Operations Director at The Mitre, Hampton Court
Recently announced new boutique luxury hotel brand The Signet Collection has appointed Ronnie Kimbugwe as Culinary & Operations Director, debuting with the first hotel The Mitre, Hampton Court in September. The Signet Collection, which was founded by former COO of Longshot; owners of Beaverbrook and Bel & the Dragon Group, aims to create meaningful stays in time honoured places, and where food & beverage will have pride of place.
The Mitre, Hampton Court will be the first hotel from The Signet Collection
Recently announced, a new boutique luxury hotel brand The Signet Collection is to launch September 2020 in conjunction with the unveiling of their first hotel The Mitre, Hampton Court. The Signet Collection, which was founded by former COO of Longshot; owners of Beaverbrook and Bel & the Dragon Group. Hector Ross and his team are set to create meaningful stays in time honoured places and will be made up of several destination-defining properties throughout the UK.
Benjamin Hofer has been appointed as Director of Food & Drink at Nobu Hotel London Portman Square
Benjamin Hofer has been appointed Director of Food & Drink. He joins the team from his role as Director of Food & Beverage at Corinthia London and he brings with him an impressive background, working with some of London's top chefs, including Simon Rogan at Fera at Claridge's, Nuno Mendes at Town Hall Hotel and Tom Kerridge at Corinthia London. His background and experience make him well-placed to lead the extensive food and drink offering at Nobu Hotel London Portman Square, which will include a new signature Nobu Restaurant, bar, outdoor terrace and lobby lounge.
Tom Bates has been appointed as Director of Marketing & Communications at Nobu Hotel London Portman Square
tom Bates has been newly appointed in his role as Director of Marketing & Communications. Bates joins the team from The Lanesborough hotel, where he headed up the marketing and communications team. Recently hailed as one of the UK's most influential communications professionals in PR Week's Power Book 2020, he will use his extensive experience in the field to direct strategic local and global brand marketing and PR of the hotel.
Sam Riches has been appointed as Director of Sales & Marketing at Nobu Hotel London Portman Square
Sam Riches joins Nobu Hotel London Portman Square as Director of Sales & Marketing. He brings to the role a wealth of experience and a strong understanding of the luxury lifestyle space, having worked in senior management roles for luxury hotel groups such as EDITION Hotels, Bvlgari Hotels & Resorts and The Curtain Hotel & Members Club.
New partnership between two major hospitality tech providers set to drive direct bookings for hoteliers as the industry gets back on its feet
Two important players in the hospitality technology sector have officially announced a new partnership that will help UK hoteliers secure more direct bookings, as the industry looks to bounce back after the coronavirus pandemic.
STR: U.K. weekly hotel performance update
Each week, STR analysts provide a deep-dive into U.K. hotel performance. The most recent video, highlighting performance for the week of 6-12 July, is linked below.Key highlights:
No breakfast buffet and sanitising fog machines: a night in a post-lockdown London hotel
I'm afraid I can't take your bags," says the manager of The Dixon, a boutique hotel just south of Tower Bridge. He greets me in the lobby on reopening day (Saturday 4 July) after the pandemic forced the hotel to close for four months. A smile beams from behind the clear plastic visor that covers his face. "We have a new procedure, you see."
STR: Preliminary June data for London hotels
STR's preliminary data for London hotels showed record performance lows. Comparison with June 2019:
STR: U.K. weekly hotel performance update
Each week, STR analysts provide a deep-dive into U.K. hotel performance. The most recent video, highlighting performance for the week of 29 June through 5 July, is linked below.Key highlights:
WTTC statement on the UK government delay to publishing its 'safe countries' list
Gloria Guevara, WTTC President & CEO, said: "For the best part of a week the UK government has delayed announcing which countries will be safe for British holidaymakers to fly to for what's left of their summer holidays, resulting in frustration and confusion among travellers.
Timeout's New Normal interview series: Where does hospitality go from here?
The ongoing Covid-19 coronavirus pandemic is changing our world in unprecedented ways. In this series of conversations with movers and shakers from both Japan and elsewhere, we're taking a look at how the pandemic is already transforming city life and what changes are still on the horizon. Hoping to find out what's to come for society, daily life and the environment, and eager to hear how urban space will accommodate and leverage the 'new normal', we've lined up interviews with experts from a wide range of fields. In this instalment we hear from British hotelier Deborah Clark, who specialises in converting historic buildings into stylish, modern spaces.
United Kingdom's Hotels Start Re-Opening This Week
We have a confirmed re-opening date for hospitality! 4th of July in England, while Northern Ireland can re-open from the 3rd of July, and Scotland on the 6th for outside venues and 15th for indoor spaces. Wales, meanwhile, are yet to confirm their decision but we can presume it won't be far behind. This means then that it's all hands on deck for those who are set to take advantage of being able to welcome guests back.
By Jane Pendlebury, CEO, HOSPA
European flight bookings reveal ‘London is falling’
Flight booking data shows London has fallen to the bottom of the top 10 most booked European cities, as border restrictions and UK quarantine regulations choked travel, according to joint research by the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) and ForwardKeys.
STR: U.K. weekly hotel performance update
Each week, STR analysts provide a deep-dive into U.K. hotel performance. The most recent video, highlighting performance for the week of 15-21 June, is linked below.Key highlights:
Premier Inn CleanProtect hotel hygiene regime will help guests stay with confidence
Premier Inn announces its rigorous new Premier Inn CleanProtect enhanced hotel hygiene promise to help guests stay with confidence.
WTTC Call For Greater Clarity So Brits Can Travel Abroad Again
Gloria Guevara, WTTC President & CEO, said: "The UK's Travel & Tourism sector will no doubt welcome the UK government's announcement on the re-opening of hotels, pubs, restaurants and attractions from July 4, as the lockdown measures ease across England. It will help drive the recovery of a crucial sector which is worth almost £200bn or nine per cent of the UK's total economy.