hotels


Future is bright for tourism and hospitality


peter ducker is chief executive officer of the Institute of Hospitality


the Goring receives royal Warrant


Te Goring Hotel in central London – the only five star luxury hotel in the city still owned and run by the fam- ily who built it – has been granted a Royal Warrant for hospitality services. Jeremy Goring, the


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’m taking on my new role as CEO of the Institute of Hospitality at a time when the prospects for hospitality, leisure and tourism are encouragingly posi-


tive. At a global level, tourism is generating income and jobs around the world and liſt- ing millions over the poverty line. Last year international travel reached


a milestone with one billion people – one seventh of the world’s population – cross- ing international borders as tourists. At a time of great economic strain, the UNWTO expects tourism to increase by 3 per cent to 4 per cent over the course of 2013. Taking a look closer to home, a simi-


lar growth story is apparent with inbound tourism to the UK predicted to grow by 3 per cent this year. While areas of the UK economy such as retail and banking are suffering job losses, the hospitality and lei- sure sectors continue to expand. In recent months, major employers such as Hilton, Accor, Whitbread, IHG and De Vere have publicly announced the creation of thou- sands of jobs over the next few years. Te British Hospitality Association suggests that we can create as many as 200,000 jobs by 2015; nearly half of the Government’s goal to create 410,000 new jobs within the same time frame. It’s hard to think of another industry that is contemplating such an impressive level of growth. Another characteristic of our industry is


that its 260,000 establishments are spread throughout the UK, making it a contributor to the wealth of every single local authority. Indeed, in some parts of the country, the hospitality, leisure and tourism sector is the largest single source of employment. Tis means we’re providing local jobs for local people and the anticipated growth levels mean there will be an increasing need for capable and qualified managers. I’ll enjoy the opportunity to work with


those educating our future managers and am looking forward to the IOH’s Passion 4 Hospitality Student Conference on 11 March 2013 at the Victory Services Club, London. The event careers forum that will give employers a great opportunity to meet the ‘cream of the crop’ of this vital industry.


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hotel’s chief executive, said the accolade was the first of its kind and staff would be immensely proud to be able to display the Queen’s coat of arms. “Without doubt this is the


Te hotel will be able to display the Queen’s coat of arms in its branding


most important recognition their work could ever receive,” he said. “It is made all the more special for us


because I believe this is the first Royal Warrant Te Queen has ever granted to an hotel.” Over the past five years the family has


invested heavily in the refurbishment with new silks woven for the walls, bedrooms designed by Russell Sage and a redesigned dining room


by Linley with bespoke chairs, walnut columns and Swarovski chandeliers. Te 69-bedroom hotel was built in 1910 by


Jeremy Goring’s great grandfather and has hosted royal guests attending the coronations of George VI and the present Queen, and in April 2011 the Duchess of Cambridge stayed in the hotel on the night prior to her wedding.


Luxury hotel to open in Liverpool Set within a Grade II-listed building,


A new luxury hotel - Te Richmond - is set to open in Liverpool in March, combining ser- viced apartments and hotel services. Located at Liverpool Convention Bureau,


the new property features 51 apartments, suites, executive and classic rooms.


guests will have free access to the recently opened Olympus Leisure Spa, which houses saunas, steamrooms, sunken baths, bucket showers and a relaxation zone. Details: http://lei.sr?a=u8k2c


QHotels negotiates three year refinancing


A three-year refinanc- ing arrangement has been agreed between the Irish Bank Resolution Corporation and QHotels Group, which will see the hotel chain’s origi- nal holdings group go into administration. QHotels, founded in 2003,


grew from two four-star hotels to 21 in its first eight years and signature proper- ties include Te Westerwood Hotel and Golf Resort near Glasgow, Te Oxford Belfry in Oxford, and Te Stratford in Stratford-Upon-Avon. It will continue to be led by managing direc-


QHotels was founded in 2003 and currently operates 21 hotels in the UK


tor Michael Purtill and finance director Ian Goulding, and investment company Alchemy Partners. QHotels Holding Limited will replace the original holding company and Tim Scoble


Read Leisure Opportunities online: www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/digital


has been appointed chairman. In a statement the company said the changes will have no impact on staff, customers or suppliers and the QHotels business will continue as normal. Details: http://lei.sr?a=g0W8B


Twitter: @leisureopps © Cybertrek 2013


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