A new network has been launched in Coventry and Warwickshire to support the future of the region’s hotel and accommodation sector.
Coventry and Warwickshire Hotel & Accommodation General Manager (GM) Network will provide opportunities to share best practice, discuss challenges and encourage collaborative region-wide working to boost businesses.
The group has been formed by Coventry & Warwickshire Convention Bureau which launched earlier this year as part of destination management organisation (DMO) Destination Coventry.
Its inaugural meeting saw more than 30 representatives from across the region’s hotel and accommodation sector meet at Hotel Indigo Coventry to set goals, ambitions and targets for the group.
Subjects discussed included the development of new market share data and intelligence to inform strategies, greater awareness of major events being brought to the region and how hotels can benefit, and how the sector can work in partnership to bring new business to the region.
The network also discussed targeting key sectors for business events and how the hospitality sector can work with supplier networks to bring improved value with regional buying power.
Businesses also raised challenges they are facing including food pricing, profitability and the implementation of technology.
The network is chaired by Michael Lyons, Cluster General Manager at Castlebridge Hospitality, including Hotel Indigo Coventry.
Michael said: “The aim of this new network is to draw and bring together the knowledge and experience from all of the hotels in Coventry and Warwickshire to support a strong future for the hotel and accommodation sector.
“I’m delighted to have been invited to chair the network. From my experience working in the hotel industry and with similar associations elsewhere in the country, I have seen how collaboration can really drive positive change for the industry.
“It was a really strong turnout for the inaugural meeting. There was a great buzz in the room and a shared enthusiasm by everyone present to make this a real success. By working together we can help to share and promote Coventry and Warwickshire’s story across the UK, Ireland and beyond.”
The network is the latest initiative launched by Coventry & Warwickshire Convention Bureau to support the growth of the tourism industry. It is a not-for-profit organisation that supports venues with bringing in new leads and event organisers with planning business events.
Paul McMahon, Managing Director at Destination Coventry, added: “We’re committed to creating platforms that will allow partners across Coventry and Warwickshire to collaborate, and this network is the latest of these initiatives.
“We’re excited about its potential and look forward to working with its members to continue to strengthen the region’s visitor economy.”
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