UK Inbound Tourism News Page 29
Arena Travel acquires Diamond Shortbreak brands following collapse
Arena Travel will acquire the River Cruise Line and Diamond Rail Holidays brands from Diamond Shortbreak Holidays. The deal comes after Market Harborough-based Diamond Shortbreak ceased trading yesterday under financial pressure.
Redaelli to lead Starhotels properties in London
Starhotels has appointed Maurizio Redaelli as general manager of the London complex including The Franklin, The Gore and The Pelham. The development is part of Starhotels Collezione - a collection of Starhotels’ 12 most representative hotels that combine elegance, charm and exceptional service.
Dewey to lead Leasowe Castle following refurbishment
Leasowe Castle has welcomed a new general manager as part of the venue’s on-going transformation. With more than 40 years in the hospitality sector, Mike Dewey has joined the team at the Wirral-based castle ahead of a company-wide rebrand, following a £3 million refurbishment.
De Vere Wokefield Estate unveils first phase of refurbishment
De Vere Wokefield Estate, near Reading, is combining modern facilities with the heritage of the Mansion House through a multi-million-pound refurbishment project.
Qantas and Western Australia leverage Perth-London service
Qantas and Tourism Western Australia have lifted the value of their tourism marketing partnership to $12.9 million to maximise the benefits of the national carrier’s Perth to London service.
Falling value of pound boosts North American visitors to UK
A study by STR and Tourism Economics indicates that the United Kingdom’s tourism and hospitality sectors have benefited from an increase in arrivals from North America, brought on by the devaluation of the British pound following the June EU Referendum.
British tourism set for Chinese New Year bonanza
Britain could expect a boost in visits from China as Chinese New Year gets underway from Saturday. Chinese New Year is a prime time of travel for the Chinese and Britain is gearing up to host some of the largest celebrations outside Asia.
Low Wood Bay Resort & Spa set for extensive makeover in Lake District
Low Wood Bay Resort & Spa is set for a brand-new look in 2017 with a major refurbishment and new build. English Lakes Hotels Resorts & Venues are set to establish a world-class resort in the Lake District, the idyllic lakeside destination closes its doors this week as work begins on the £16 million transformation, which will be unveiled from April when the hotel reopens its doors.
BHA: British inbound tourism figures decline in October
Despite predictions of a post Brexit surge, the number of leisure tourists coming to the UK has declined for the second consecutive month, according to the British Hospitality Association Travel Monitor. At the same time, outbound holiday travel is growing strongly.
Barnes to lead Historic Royal Palaces in UK
John Barnes, currently director of conservation and learning at Historic Royal Palaces has been appointed to the role of chief executive with the organisation. He will take up the new position from July 1st, 2017. Barnes will succeed Michael Day who retires after 14 years at the helm.
Expanded role for Kwan at Dorsett Hospitality
Dorsett Hospitality International has promoted Rebecca Kwan to the role of senior vice president, sales – Hong Kong and the United Kingdom. Apart from playing a key strategic business partner role in driving sales performance for Hong Kong, increasing corporate sales and business support to other regions, Kwan in her additional role, will also be supporting UK sales and hotel revenue related matters.
IAG chief criticises government Chinese visa delay
International Airlines Group has criticised a year’s delay in introducing a ten year visa for Chinese visitors that would drive business and create jobs. The plan was announced in October 2015 during the Chinese state visit to the UK. Willie Walsh, chief executive of IAG, said: “China is the world’s second largest economy and we need to do all we can to encourage these trade links.