Today’s news in brief – 16/5/24

The Colliers’ UK Hotel Market Index for 2024 has revealed Edinburgh as the top-ranking city due to strong occupancy and room rates. Belfast follows with significant RevPAR growth, while Inverness secures third place. The shift back to city breaks is notable, with Manchester and Liverpool climbing in the rankings. London slips due to high land prices. Factors like land prices, room rates, and RevPAR trends are considered in the rankings, offering insights for investors. Future predictions suggest softening performance in leisure-dependent markets and potential growth from international travellers.
John McLean, a seasoned hotelier with two decades of experience, has been appointed as the new general manager of The Stafford Collection. Renowned for realigning and repositioning hotels, McLean brings expertise and values to the team, aiming to maintain the high standard of customer service the collection is known for.
Apex Hotels has announced a charity partnership with Hospitality Action, aligning with Mental Health Awareness Week’s theme of movement. Hospitality Action’s Walk for Wellbeing initiative and support services for hospitality professionals resonate with Apex Hotels’ values. Apex Hotels also invests in mental health support by appointing Mental Health First Aiders and trainers, highlighting their commitment to employee wellbeing.
Storrs Hall has gained approval from the Lake District National Park Authority for a new two-bedroom boathouse, overcoming initial denial. The design includes a minimal channel and external jetty. Despite initial rejection due to concerns about character preservation and incremental development along Windermere lakeshore, a planning inspector deems the project compliant with the development plan. The addition complements the existing one-bedroom boathouse, featuring amenities like a hot tub and fire pit. This decision reflects a balance between development and conservation, ensuring the area’s character and heritage assets are preserved while allowing for expansion.