HOSPA, the Hospitality Professionals Association, has opened up its educational courses, welcoming a fresh intake of learners and waiving the usual twice annual registration process in a move that will enable furloughed colleagues to learn and enhance their hospitality careers during lockdown.
The lockdown imposed in the UK to slow the spread of Covid-19 has saved many lives. Across Europe, only full lockdown has worked to reduce the reproduction number of Covid-19 below 1, slowing the rate of spread and buying time. But the economic, social and other health consequences of the suppression measures are severe. The Office for Budget Responsibility anticipates a 35 per cent fall in GDP in Q2 if current restrictions remain in force through June, and unemployment is expected to rise by 2 million to 10 per cent. The longer lockdown goes on, the greater the chance of a significant permanent reduction in living standards.
A major new report has revealed Travel & Tourism's crucial contribution to help kick-start, the UK's economic recovery once the COVID-19 pandemic has been successfully combatted.
Reflecting the circumstances around the COVID-19 pandemic, STR's preliminary March data for hotels in London shows significant year-over-year declines in the three key performance metrics. Comparison with March 2019:
Following its recent closure, Don Sloan reflects on the pivotal role played by Brookes Restaurant in shaping an engaged, inclusive community of learning. Brookes Restaurant was located within the Oxford School of Hospitality Management at Oxford Brookes University.
Hosts on Airbnb are offering NHS and other frontline medical staff free places to stay while they carry out their critical work, and Airbnb is waiving all fees for the stays. Hosts across the UK can opt into the programme and offer an entire home property through Airbnb's Open Homes platform, created in 2012 to meet the needs of people requiring emergency housing.
The hospitality industry has been one of the sectors most badly impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic. Across the UK, all pubs, bars and restaurants have had to close their doors and shut up shop, in order to abide by the unprecedented measures ordered by the Government.
A representative body for airlines based in Britain has written to its transport minister seeking industry-specific tax and air traffic fee holidays to help survive a coronavirus pandemic that has brought air travel to a standstill.
Hoteliers have accused OTAs of "behaving appallingly" by changing terms and conditions so bookings - including those that were non-refundable - are reimbursed, without cancellation charges.
Today has been another bewildering day for hoteliers. Thanks to Friday's Government announcement, we are clear on what to do with pubs, restaurants, spas and gyms, but less clear on bedroom accommodation. I continue to work alongside UK Hospitality which has strongly discouraged taking any future reservations for leisure purposes in the coming months.
Our Government has asked us to stand by our staff, and whilst I completely agree with the sentiment behind the statement I also completely understand why the hospitality industry has struggled to do exactly that.
M&L, a Singapore-based hotel real estate investor, has appointed Gordon Fraser as Cluster General Manager at the Crowne Plaza Aberdeen Airport and Holiday Inn Express Aberdeen Airport. Bringing over 20 years of management experience, including eight years with Hilton Worldwide at the Hilton Edinburgh Grosvenor Hotel, Gordon has immersed himself in multi-site management, mid-market and up-market properties, new builds, distressed properties, change programmes and capital project management throughout his career.
The hospitality industry has warned the new government restrictions around coronavirus could shut down firms.
Today, Travelodge, the UK's first budget hotel chain celebrates 20 years of trading in Kent, by officially opening its first hotel in Sittingbourne.
STR's preliminary data for hotels in London shows slightly negative performance in February 2020 that worsened into double-digit declines during the first week of March.
The Chancellor of the Exchequer has announced a number of measures in his Budget statement which should assist the UK hotel sector in the wake of the coronavirus, which has already precipitated a number of events and overnight stays in hotels to be cancelled or postponed, thereby causing a fall in hotel occupancy.
Roche brings more than 18 years to her post as spa and wellness associate director. A veteran in the wellness sector, she has expertise in naturopathy, Ayurveda, spas, reflexology and other holistic therapies.
New research by leading hospitality company Hilton, has found 43% of working women would not feel confident asking their employer about flexible working. This is despite flexible working topping the most important things that women look for in a potential employer (62%), being valued above a high salary (54%) and holiday entitlement (51%).
The Gate is a boutique aparthotel opening in Aldgate East, which offers the service and style of a hotel with the privacy of a self-service apartment. Modern travellers' needs and taste in accommodation are changing - people desire more choice than a traditional hotel versus self-catering apartments, and The Gate aims to bridge the gap between the two. The new aparthotel feels like an elevated version of your own home, with full-service amenities and flexible stay periods where guests can stay for one night or up to three months.
Investor confidence in the UK's hotel sector is set to return this year as Brexit uncertainty settles, providing opportunities for both buyers and sellers alike.