Category: Blog

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Marriott announces plans to open more than 1,700 hotels by 2021

The hotel group plans to add between 275,000 and 295,000 rooms by 2021, supported by the strength of its record 478,000-room pipeline, including roughly 214,000 rooms already under construction.

The group said its new room openings during this period could contribute $400m (£303m) in fee revenue in 2021.

Arne Sorenson, Marriott International’s president and chief executive officer, said: “Starwood [the hotel group acquired by Marriott in 2016] has made us a more formidable competitor, providing a more valuable loyalty program, brands with strong appeal to loyalty members and owners, talented associates, terrific locations, particularly in the fast-growing Asia Pacific region, significant cost synergies and meaningful scale.”

Leeny Oberg, Marriott International’s executive vice president and chief financial officer, added: “Our new three-year plan, with Starwood fully integrated, demonstrates how our fee-based, asset-light business model generates even stronger and more sustainable cash flows. This allows us to invest profitably in our core business at high rates of return and also return significant amounts of capital to shareholders. Our proven business model combined with opportunities to leverage our significant scale from the Starwood acquisition uniquely position us for additional shareholder value creation.”

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100 new hotels planned for Travelodge

Budget hotel chain Travelodge has said it plans to build 100 new hotels across the UK over the next five years, creating approximately 3,000 new jobs.

Figures released by the hotel chain shows it saw an 8.8% rise in revenue, with income at £693.3m in 2018 ending 31 December. Adjusting earnings increased to £122m, up £9.6m.

Travelodge chief executive Peter Gowers told the BBC that strong growth in London was being offset by declining sales in the rest of the UK. He added: “These are uncertain times and we are not immune from the short-term challenges, but beyond, we remain confident that there are more opportunities ahead.

“We’ve invested in better quality and choice for our guests, while staying true to our budget roots.”

The chain has 575 existing properties across the UK. It has not yet been confirmed if the new hotels will be equipped with conference or meeting facilities.

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Meeting Needs delivers clean, fresh water to deaf school in Niger

Clean, fresh water is now available to the Niamey School for the Deaf in Niger, thanks to funding from industry charity Meeting Needs.

This means no more walking miles to collect water and more time for more productive activities, like the school’s new vegetable garden – which is also benefiting from regular irrigation.

The construction of a well and water tower with a solar-powered pump was a project undertaken by charity Remember Niger Coalition and financed with a grant of just £4,905. The completion of the project is the first step in a larger water and garden project, which will provide 164 students, 20 staff and teachers and more than 70 deaf community members with clean water, nutritious meals and gardening skills each year.

After the first water was delivered, Kara VanderKamp, executive director of Remember Niger Coalition, said: “It was awesome to see everything in place and the water coming out of the spigots. The director, teachers, students and deaf community members are so happy. The children were so cute when we turned on the spigots. They would try to sneak turns putting their hands in the water so they could drink it and rub it over their faces and heads.

“They are so thankful to have a consistent source of water for the children, especially during the hot season. Additionally, their garden will have a greater yield because they will be able to expand it and consistently water the crops. The fruit and vegetables help supplement the students daily lunch and provide much needed nutrition.”

Meeting Needs executive committee’s Lene Corgan said: “This is a fantastic project that is a real life-changer for so many people. It is also completely sustainable and exactly the kind of project Meeting Needs is here to support.”

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Events Industry Board appoints Michael Hirst as chair

Michael Hirst has been appointed as the new chair of the Events Industry Board by tourism minister Michael Ellis, following the resignation of Nick de Bois from the role in July last year.

Hirst has served as deputy chair since the creation of the Events Industry Board in 2016. He is also chair of the Business Visits and Events Partnership (BVEP), the organisation that connects the leading trade and professional organisations, government agencies in the events sector. Hirst also serves on the Tourism Industry Council and is a director of the Tourism Alliance, as well as being a director and consultant to companies in the commercial and hospitality sectors.

Commenting on his appointment, Hirst said: “I am delighted to have been asked to fulfil this role. Events are being recognised across Whitehall departments as a way of stimulating the economy and showcasing our industrial, scientific and educational excellence. I very much look forward to working with industry colleagues and DCMS and DIT officials to develop the role of the board and ensure that events play their full part in growing the economy and the profile of Britain”.

Michael Ellis, minister for arts, heritage and tourism, said: “Michael has a wealth of experience in the business tourism sector, so I am delighted that he has agreed to chair the Events Industry Board. I look forward to the board continuing to providing invaluable advice to government on how we can further support this important industry.”

Nick de Bois stepped down as EIB chair in July last year when he accepted the role of chief of staff to the then newly-appointed Brexit secretary Dominic Raab in the Department for Exiting the European Union (DExEU). He left the role when Raab quit after 129 days in office.

The Events Industry Board’s role is to advise ministers on improving the competitiveness of the UK in order to secure a greater number of high quality international events. Its aims are to deliver growth through the economic impact generated by business events and visitor spend, whilst increasing opportunities for exports and investment for UK businesses. In addition, the use of business events, as part of the Tourism Sector Bid within the industrial strategy, aims to increase year round productivity, enhance regional prosperity and to provide a sense of place for local communities.

The board has created a comprehensive work programme, with a new action plan currently being implemented. It has established working groups on Infrastructure and Talent and there are plans for further industry roundtables with sector interests across the industry.

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Edwardian Hotels London first hotel group to enter EDGE Venues 100% club

Edwardian Hotels London is the first group of hotels to maximise their exposure to users of EDGE Venues, the new global venue sourcing solution for agents, corporates and associations.

By completing 100% of the data fields within the profiles of all its hotels, Edwardian has enhanced its positioning in venue searches for its 11 Radisson Blu Edwardian, Hotels in London and Manchester and its luxury May Fair Hotel in the heart of central London. This helps improve its opportunities to confirm business because EDGE Venues users can select multiple venues and compare their suitability for each event.

Jacqui Kavanagh, Managing Director of Trinity Event Solutions and EDGE Venues said: “Every event is different and that’s why we’ve built EDGE to have such a flexible search functionality. Users can compare the USPs and benefits of multiple venues in a single screen, to see which ones would work best for their event. The more information venues complete, the more likely they are to be matched for business they can support. Edwardian has recognised the strength of the search for driving conference, meetings and events business, and are taking full advantage of it.”

Kirsten Ariano, Account Director, Edwardian Hotels London had this to say about the digital platform: “It’s refreshing to work with a team which is dedicated to making sure we maximise our potential. We’ve worked with Trinity Event Solutions for many years, and they understand how the industry works and how, using technology, booking meetings can be made simpler. As soon as Trinity launched EDGE Venues, we knew the benefits it would bring and have been working with our properties to achieve a group place in the ‘100% Club’.”

Many independent venues have closely followed Edwardian Hotels with 100% profile completion, putting themselves in the running with big brands for meetings and events business.

Jacqui continues: “The feedback we’ve had in the first three months of EDGE Venues has been fantastic and we’re seeing more and more hotels push to get their data profile to 100%. To get a group of hotels on board such as the 12 Edwardian properties is a credit to the technology and usability of the booking platform. We’ve worked with key stakeholders within the industry to develop this technology and thrilled with its success even at this early stage.”

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DMC group targets UK companies with new ‘staycentive’ offer

With Brexit uncertainty causing UK holidaymakers to put off travelling abroad, destination management company (DMC) group – TCE Group is enabling UK companies to do the same.

TCE Group is creating incentive programmes and experiences in the UK designed to appeal to British companies rather than just international clients.

Group CEO Bill Prosser said: “Why take your incentive groups abroad when there are so many wonderful things you could do in the UK at lower cost and lower risk?

“In the last 15 years we have created amazing incentive programmes in the UK for clients from over 50 countries around the world.

“Britain is an awesome incentive destination and we have worked from the Scottish Highlands to Cornwall and just about everywhere in between.

“London is one of the world’s greatest cities, and we are blessed with many others – Liverpool, Edinburgh, Bath, Manchester and a dozen more.

“These UK destinations and experiences work to achieve the objectives of brands from around the world and can be just as effective for British businesses at lower cost.”

Summer holiday bookings abroad have fallen 6 per cent year-on-year since the start of the year in the UK according to analyst GFK, with the current economic and political uncertainty shouldering the blame. TCE Group is hoping that ‘staycentives’ will become as relevant to business events as staycations are to leisure travellers, with Prosser hailing them as a good moment to look at what the UK has to offer.

“Incentive programmes aimed at the UK market focus more on experiences and less on sightseeing and offer greater opportunities for delivering brand messages,” he added. “With everything to offer from red carpet premieres to the fastest zip wires in Europe nowhere offers brands more opportunities.”

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Why choose an unusual venue for your event?

There are lots of good reasons to choose a different or unusual venue for your event. Somewhere that has the ‘wow’ factor or is popular on social media will boost attendance because people want to go there. We all know about museums, sporting venues, castles etc, but now it’s all about what’s new. It’s not always easy to find a desirable venue, but look at Instagram and check which have created a great brand.

Of course, you need to follow the normal rules and consider the overall capacity, whether the space will work, access for production and caterers etc as well as the objectives and finding somewhere to match your brand. But if you’ve got the creative juices going then it’s time to think outside the box and find a venue to match your message.

Create an amazing first impression

This will start with the event invitation, people will want to attend and be part of your experience. Don’t only think about the venue, but what about the entrance and is there outside space? Build the excitement before people arrive.

Hire a bar or restaurant

There are new places launching all the time, some have private dining and some can be hired privately. Rooftops are really popular, so how about the B&H Garden Room on a rooftop in Leicester Square which has great views. Or Ours in South Kensington and Sushi Samba both have private dining rooms for small groups and are places that people want to be seen.

Hotels

The ME London can now privatise the Atrium area on their 1st floor for events and Zela is a new restaurant on the ground floor. The Curtain in Shoreditch can privatise their Lido Deck restaurant at some times of the year.

Cafés

The café culture has exploded in recent years and these destination venues are particularly good for a breakfast or lunch event. Take a look at
Feya and Butterscotch as well as the Elan Café, which has flower walls and LED lighting. Just one thing to watch for is that not all cafés are licensed so you may not be able to serve alcohol.

Blank canvass

Think about a warehouse, car park, ice rink, church and farm buildings as these venues can offer a large space to create the mood you wish. The ambiance is important, but also having flexibility to do what you want.

The warning signs

There is a risk if you work with a venue whose normal business is not events. You’ll need to keep on top of the communication, check their insurance, contracts and KPIs carefully to make sure the venue can deliver as agreed. If the venue is open to the public, there may be restrictions when you can have access and when you need to return it to them.

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Networking at events

The idea of throwing yourself into a room of people you don’t know is a daunting prospect for most people, but networking is one of the best things that you can do to learn about what’s happening in the industry and develop your career.

It’s easier to do to do business with people you know or by recommendation and industry events, forums, educationals and exhibitions are a good way to make connections. But it’s not just about face-to-face meetings, there are networking opportunities online and social media sites give everyone access to a global community.

Practice

It can be hard to start a conversation with a stranger, so start in the office, at the gym or when you’re out and about by talking to people you don’t know. Just begin with small talk and see where the conversation goes.

Prepare

Spend a little time thinking about what you want to achieve from the networking event and have a few questions ready to ask new people. Also think about what you want to tell them about yourself, as it’s a two-way process. What news can you give them or place business or share contacts that will help.

Relax

Try not to worry about what to say next or what the other person is thinking. Focus on the person you’re talking to. Smile and look as open and approachable as you can, if you look friendly then someone will come and have a conversation with you.

Focus

Give the person you are talking to your complete attention. It’s off-putting if you’re looking for someone new to talk to. Build a rapport by asking questions and listening carefully. When the conversation has finished then move around the room.

Pick your events

There are so many opportunities but going to everything is time-consuming and exhausting. It’s better to be strategic and plan which events are most likely to be worthwhile.

Find a friend

If you’re going to an event alone, try and make at least one connection as this will make everything much easier. A lot of people in the room will be feeling the same way as you and don’t know anyone else either, so look for other people on their own and see how you can make them feel more comfortable.

Or, if you can, take a colleague this will make you comfortable until you gain confidence and find some new contacts of your own.

Keep in touch

Maintaining a relationship with a new contact is crucial to networking. Follow up with an email, connect on LinkedIn or another social media platform. Share ongoing news from time to time and find out what other events they are going to attend and catch up with them again there

We’ve all walked in to a room where everyone seems to know each other and are in groups, but remember that those confident people were in your shoes once. Even the ones who have been attending networking events for years still may not really enjoy it, but can hide it through years of practice and experience.

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mia to debate AI and Brexit at Future Fit Conference

The Meetings Industry Association (mia) is planning a giant leap into the future with expert-led discussions on sustainability, AI and Brexit at its upcoming Future Fit Conference.

On Monday 11 March the mia, which has more than 800 members, will host a day of expert-led insights into the future of the meetings industry.

Held at America Square in London, the Future Fit Conference will hear from keynote speakers on issues such as artificial intelligence (AI) and augmented reality, sustainability and the potential opportunities posed by Brexit.

With nearly 40 years of industry experience, expert speaker at the event Richard Lewis believes it’s important to be prepared for the positive impact technological advances will have on the business meetings and events industry.

He said: “Without a doubt, disruption will continue at a faster pace than ever before and our industry will not be immune from change.

“In fact, it is about time we woke up. AI, AGI, robotics, blockchain, AR and Infotech will positively impact almost every aspect of travel and tourism.

“Disruptors will disrupt the disruptors. New entrants will challenge legacy operators and we have seen nothing yet.”

Delegates will hear speakers scrutinise AI as a money saving tool, address issues surrounding single-use plastics in the industry and discuss the current economic forecast.

Jane Longhurst, chief executive of mia, said: “Future Fit will offer delegates the enviable chance to discover what the future holds for our industry.

“The fantastic programme is designed to engage, educate and perhaps even make delegates feel a little bit uncomfortable.

“As a sector we have the opportunity to be bold and develop new and innovative plans to drive business growth by embracing and taking advantage of both the technological advances set to occur over the coming years and the opportunities presented by Brexit.

“At the same time, we have a huge responsibility to ensure that the sector takes its social responsibility seriously and how small steps can be made for larger gains by reducing our reliance on single-use plastic.”

Opening the conference is veteran broadcaster and journalist Declan Curry who will discuss the current economy and the challenges and opportunities for a post-Brexit UK.

Mia chair Kay England will tell delegates how the association is championing best practice with its #20PercentLess campaign.

The #20Percentless campaign is supported by the Zoological Society of London’s project officer Rachel Shairp, who is a leader of #OneLess.

Their sessions will highlight the necessary steps the industry should be taking to change its behaviour and safeguard our future.

Atsushi Ishii and keynote speaker Azeem Azhar will take to the stage to reveal the opportunities presented by AI.

Giraffe Innovation’s Rob Holdway will be looking at plastics and packaging alternatives and 15Hatfield’s Warren Campbell will be quizzed by conference chair Peter Hancock about best practice and the steps they are currently putting in place.

Professor David Russell, will discuss the importance of ecological consciousness amid cleaning and waste, food procurement, food logistics and guest services ahead of Expo 2020 Dubai.

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IHG to launch new all-suites upper midscale brand

InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) has announced plans to launch a new all-suites upper midscale brand in its preliminary 2018 financial results.

The company said launching the new brand this year would build on its “existing mainstream strength”, targeting an $18b (£14b) industry segment where strong guest and owner demand has driven around a 70% increase in room supply in the last four years.

The group reported total revenue for the year of $4.34b (£3.36m), an increase of 6% on the previous year, and operating profit of $670m (£519m), down 7%.

Global revenue per available room (revpar) increased 2.5% and IHG also announced it was raising the total dividend for the year by 10% and follows the payment of a $500m (£387m) special dividend in January 2019, taking total shareholder returns announced for the year to more than $700m (£542m).

The hotel company reported its strongest net system size growth in a decade of 4.8% including the addition of 56,000 room additions, up 17% year on year. After the removal of 18,000 rooms, this leaves IHG with 837,000 rooms globally.

Chief executive Keith Barr said: “We have made excellent progress in 2018 executing against the strategic initiatives I set out a year ago to accelerate our growth, whilst delivering a strong financial performance. The investments we have made have had a significant impact, allowing us to further evolve our established brands, move quickly to strengthen our portfolio both organically and by acquisition, and create real momentum in our business.

“Our strategic focus on accelerating our net rooms growth helped drive a net system size increase of 4.8%, and our best performance for both openings and signings in a decade, leaving us well-positioned for future growth.

“The investments we have made have been funded through our group efficiency programme which is on track to deliver $125m (£97m) of annual savings by 2020. We have successfully implemented a more efficient and agile organisational structure while building resources and capabilities focused on the most attractive growth opportunities.

“The fundamentals of our business remain strong, and while there are macro-economic and geopolitical uncertainties in some markets, we are confident in the year ahead and that our strategy will deliver industry-leading net rooms growth over the medium term.”

The group’s revpar in the UK grew just 1%, with London up 3% and the provinces flat. Fourth quarter revpar in the UK was up 4%, with strong leisure demand driving revpar in London up 10%, while the provinces were up just 1%.

2018 saw IHG acquire Principal with Covivio, enabling it to convert properties into the group’s first UK Voco and Kimpton hotels; as well as its acquisition of the luxury Regent Hotels & Resorts brand. IHG announced its acquisition of Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spas just last week for £232m.