Two inews.co.uk reporters have uncovered a document on the Pontins intranet advising all staff that they can no longer accept bookings from people with popular Irish surnames. The document titled – UNDESIRABLE GUESTS - informs people working with Pontins as follows: “Please be aware that several guests are unwelcome at Pontins, however some of these will still try and book – … [Read more...]
Umbrella Training strengthens senior management team through key industry appointment
Umbrella Training, a leading nationwide training and apprenticeship provider for the hospitality and corporate services sector, has appointed Kate Kelly as commercial director to support its continued growth strategy. A seasoned commercial and business development professional, Kelly will be responsible for developing the company’s marketing and sales … [Read more...]
Global anger at Hyatt hosting CPAC 2021
As desperate for cash as many hotels are, the decision by Hyatt to host the US Conservative Political Action Conference 2021, is not only morally questionable, but economically flawed. The millions of dollars paid for the event is already but a pittance compared to the brand damage suffered worldwide. The Hyatt Regency Orlando is currently hosting a three day ‘Conservative … [Read more...]
Call on Chancellor to set hospitality VAT rate permanently at 5% in budget
An exchange of views on twitter earlier this week relating to the Chancellor's upcoming budget next Wednesday, led us to invite Nicholas Russell, MD Balbirnie House in Fife, Scotland to air his view's with our readership. We hope you find Nicholas Russell's view of how VAT could be applied to hospitality as compelling as we have. Nicholas Russell: So here we are, spring 2021. … [Read more...]
Accor reports global revenues down 62% in 2020
Against the backdrop of the global Covid-19 pandemic Accor in 2020 reports RevPAR down 62%. The 2020 report is attributed by Accor to a decline in revenues reflecting the business downturn in the global hospitality industry linked to the spread of the Covid-19 virus. In positive tone, Accor is seeing signs of ‘significant recovery’ in all regions in the third quarter, … [Read more...]
Two new Trustees appointed by the Gold Service Scholarship
The Gold Service Scholarship has announced that it has strengthened its group of Trustees with two prestigious new appointments this month. Knut Wylde, General Manager of The Berkeley in London, and Alessandro Fasoli, Director of The Woodspeen in Berkshire and The Clockspire in Somerset, will join the Trustee roster of other senior industry figures. Both have impressive … [Read more...]
Hoteliers’ react to roadmap
Boris Johnson’s roadmap did not contain many surprises yesterday. The timelines are not what many had hoped for, but do at last provide a framework around planning to reopen. Preparation for reopening can now start in earnest, so we have spoken with some of the UK’s leading hoteliers to reflect and gauge their reactions to the roadmap, and what is next. Brenda Collin FIH, … [Read more...]
Manchester Hoteliers Association champion adoption of Hoteliers’ Charter
The Hoteliers’ Charter designed to raise the profile of the hospitality industry and promote hospitality as a profession of choice for young people was launched yesterday. The charter has ten key commitments including: developing skills, creating a work-life balance, supporting industry charities, a commitment to the modern slavery act and a commitment to … [Read more...]
Arne Sorenson, Marriott International President and CEO, dies unexpectedly
Marriott International has announced that their President and CEO, Arne Sorenson unexpectedly passed away yesterday, February 15, 2021. Sorenson was a Japanese-born American and a graduate of the University of Minnesota Law School. Becoming the head of Marriott, the largest publicly traded hotel chain in the world on March 31, 2012. He previously practiced law in … [Read more...]
The Belfry donates crèche to newly opened Alternative Learning Project Nuneaton
The Belfry Hotel & Resort has donated its entire crèche to Alternative Learning Project Nuneaton, which specialises in placements for children with complex learning and behavioural difficulties. ALP Nuneaton, which opened on 11th January 2021, caters for children with Autism, ADHD, challenging behaviour, or complex learning needs, within an Ofsted registered school. The … [Read more...]
Call on hoteliers to stand together and commit to new charter
The Hoteliers’ Charter, designed to raise the profile of the hospitality industry and promote hospitality as a profession of choice to parents, schools, colleges, universities and careers influencers, has launched today. The idea for the Hotelier’s Charter was conceived by Sally Beck, general manager of the Royal Lancaster London, who founded it to help dispel the notion that … [Read more...]
Hotel quarantine row continues to rage
The government has confirmed UK residents returning from travel to 33 counties on the Red List Covid-19 hotspots will be required to quarantine in hotels from 15 February. Passengers arriving in the UK will stay in hotel rooms for 10 nights, where security guards will monitor and control any movements from quarantine. The quarantine measure has been a political hot potato for … [Read more...]
Preferred Hotels & Resorts welcomes 18 new member hotels
Preferred Hotels & Resorts, the world’s largest independent hotel brand, has announced 18 new member hotels that joined its global portfolio from September 1, 2020 through January 31, 2021. Ranging in style and setting from an iconic Cape Cod retreat to an eco-luxe hideaway on the Greek island of Santorini, each of these new member hotels and resorts provides local, … [Read more...]
Confusion over hotel quarantine
Boris Johnson during yesterday’s Downing Street press conference said that Health Secretary Matt Hancock would today make an announcement on plans for hotels playing a role in quarantining international passenger arrivals at UK travel hubs, as well as a timetable. Then later yesterday evening the No 10 Press Office issued a statement saying that said the Prime Minister had … [Read more...]
Courtyard by Marriott Keele Staffordshire opens its doors
The Courtyard by Marriott Keele Staffordshire, located at Keele University’s Science and Innovation Park, has opened its doors today. The 150-bedroom hotel, which has created 20 jobs for the local area, will initially be welcoming key workers to stay due to lockdown in the UK. Once restrictions are eased, Courtyard by Marriott Keele Staffordshire will boast a new Scholars … [Read more...]
Donald Trump’s hospitality empire shorted and looking certain to collapse
Only a few weeks ago Donald Trump incited hordes of his fanatical followers to storm the Capital Building in Washington. People across the globe watched live as the very heart of American democracy came under attack from US citizens at the behest of the US President. That opening paragraph seems as surreal writing it today as watching it unfold live was on 6 January 2021. But … [Read more...]
New Chief Information Officer at Deutsche Hospitality
Deutsche Hospitality is taking a further important step along its pathway to restructuring with Florian Daniel appointed to the newly created position of Chief Information Officer with immediate effect. In his capacity as CIO, Mr. Daniel will be responsible for the areas of Commercial & Business Systems, Digital Customer Experience, Data Science & Analytics, Technology … [Read more...]