Uk Tourism Industry News
VLM Airlines to link Birmingham to Antwerp, Belgium
Birmingham is set to have a direct connection to the thriving commercial and tourist centre of Antwerp in Belgium, thanks to a new service by European carrier VLM Airlines launching on October 5th, 2015. Passengers will be able to choose from daily return Birmingham-Antwerp flights, three times a week on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.
Millennium Hotels acquires Hard Days Night Hotel in Liverpool
Millennium Hotels & Resorts has completed its acquisition of a Beatles inspired hotel located in the heart of Liverpool’s increasingly popular Cavern Quarter. Hard Days Night Hotel, situated on the city’s North John Street, will now become the group’s 24th property within the UK and Europe; adding to the diversity of the hotel group, which operates a dynamic and impressive worldwide portfolio.
Joint venture sees £250m Chinese investment in UK tourism
The London Group and SinoFortone Group has signed a memorandum of understanding which will see more than £250 million invested in the tourism infrastructure of the United Kingdom. The British-Chinese joint venture is designed to bring British and Chinese people together during their leisure time in a stimulating harmonious but relaxed environment.
British prime minister reveals UK-wide tourism plan
British prime minister David Cameron has announced the government’s new five point plan to boost tourism right across the UK - spreading the benefits of one of our fastest growing sectors beyond the capital, helping to create jobs and rebalance the economy. A new inter-ministerial group will be formed to co-ordinate and align action across government to ensure that we have the right infrastructure in place to make it easy for visitors to discover the best of what this country has to offer.
Breaking Travel News investigates: Travelling in style with Eastpak
From well-organised, compact carry-ons with integrated laptop sleeves to dual-compartment trolleys and roomy holdalls, Eastpak’s travel bags are built tough, water repellent and lightweight and come with an assortment of handy design features to match your personality, your destination, and of course, your stuff.
£16 billion untapped opportunity for the UK hospitality and leisure sector
New research released today by Barclays shows that the over 65s added £37 billion to the UK economy through spending on the Hospitality & Leisure sector in the last year. This contribution equates to over a third (36%) more than the average consumer and 27% higher than the 35 – 54 year olds who are the second biggest spending generation.
Domestic tourism set for growth in standards and support for UK economy
Domestic tourism has seen an increase in popularity across the UK with many Brits choosing to holiday at home instead of travelling abroad.
Air Passenger Duty reformed for long-haul flights in UK
Air Passenger Duty has been partially reformed in the UK as the new tax year begins. From April 1st, the two more expensive bands of APD are being abolished. Band ‘C’ affects people travelling over 4,000 miles, and band ‘D’ affects journeys over 6,000 miles.
Luchford to represent Beverly Hills in UK
Following a three way pitch, Beverly Hills Conference & Visitors Bureau has appointed luxury lifestyle agency Luchford APM as its UK in-market representative to act on behalf of Beverly Hills with immediate effect. The agency won the 12 month consumer and travel trade contract based on its creative ability to develop Beverly Hills from being a luxury travel brand to a luxury lifestyle consumer product, playing on its brand pillars of gourmet dining, five-star accommodations and high-end shopping.
Stapleton takes over at Royal Crescent Hotel
The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa has announced the appointment of Jonathan Stapleton as its new general manager. Under the ownership of Topland Group, the heritage hotel has recently undergone a significant renovation and meticulous restoration process, reopening its doors as a ‘British icon reborn’. Topland Group, a privately owned international investment company with a substantial hotel portfolio, has invested heavily in The Royal Crescent Hotel to consolidate its positioning as one of the world’s leading five star hotels.
Hurricane Gonzalo causes minor disruption at London Heathrow
A small number of flights in the UK have been disrupted by the arrival of Hurricane Gonzalo. The tail end of the hurricane, which late last week caused widespread disruption in the Caribbean, brought high winds and heavy rain to parts of the country.
UK passport applicants should be given refund, say MPs
Applicants for British passports who paid additional fees in an attempt to avoid processing delays should get a refund, MPs have argued. ‘Fast-track’ appointments, often promising passports would be returned in 24 hours, “exploited” travellers, according to the Home Affairs Committee.