Sterling
Fluctuations in the value of the British pound (GBP) can have wide-ranging effects on the UK hotel sector, from international visitor demand to supplier costs and investment flows. We report on market trends, currency forecasts, and the economic impact of sterling movements on pricing, profitability, and overseas travel patterns. Coverage also includes how hotel operators and investors adapt to currency volatility in their financial and strategic planning.
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Aug- 2017 -4 AugustEconomy
London hotel market accounts for 55% of total UK hotel investment
Investment into the London hotel market reached £1.1 billion; 55% of the UK’s overall total of £2 billion, figures from estate agents Savills show. International investment accounted for 68% (£756 million) of investment into London’s hotels. A strong tourist market, narrowing yields and a weaker pound have all boosted investment…
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Jun- 2017 -9 JuneCurrent Affairs
Election result “bad for business”, says BHA
The British Hospitality Association (BHA) has reacted to the results of the general election, which led to a hung parliament due to the Conservatives failing to gain a majority vote. As the pound sterling was reported to have dropped 2.3% against the dollar following the results, the BHA has described…
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8 JuneProperty
Luxury accommodation to be built at new Welsh holiday resort
A 100-room hotel and luxury lodges are set to be built at a new holiday resort in Wales. The Afan Valley Adventure Resort, which the owners are touting as “the world’s ultimate outdoor adventure” will cover 485 acres in South Wales between Cardiff and Swansea. Some £130m investment has been…
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May- 2017 -22 MayTourism
43% increase in North American visitors as inbound tourism rises
A 43% increase in North American visitors drove an overall rise of inbound UK tourism in the month of March. According to the British Hospitality Association’s (BHA) Travel Monitor, the number of visitors to the UK in March was up 23% year-on-year. Visitors from Europe saw an uptick of 4%.…
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Jan- 2017 -9 JanuaryEconomy
Pound falls on Theresa May’s Brexit comments
The value of the pound has fallen to its lowest point in two months following Prime Minister Theresa May’s announcement that the UK would seek a “hard Brexit”. Sterling fell by about 1% on average, with the pound being 1.06% against the dollar at $1.21 this morning. In an interview…
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Nov- 2016 -9 NovemberEconomy
UK hotel transactions to remain subdued until Brexit terms finalised
Transactions in the UK hotel market are likely to be subdued until the terms of Britain’s exit from Europe become clearer and business confidence returns. The latest Hotel Bulletin – published this week by HVS, AlixPartners and AM:PM – outlined that hotel transactions in the third quarter of 2016 totalled…
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7 NovemberCurrent Affairs
Amsterdam tops London as most attractive destination for hotel investment
London has been replaced by Amsterdam as Europe’s most attractive hotel investment destination, according to new research from Deloitte. The annual survey of more than 100 senior hospitality figures also found Chinese and North American investors are expected to dominate the European hotel investment market in 2017. Some 62% of…
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Sep- 2016 -22 SeptemberEconomy
Political uncertainty ‘dangerous’ as London hotel demand falls
London hotel demand has continued to fall in the wake of Brexit while regional hotels are forecast to hit record-breaking occupancy rates, according to new data released today. PwC’s Facing the Future report found a combination of economic and political uncertainty, along with corporations cutting their travel budgets, meant that…
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21 SeptemberTech Talk
Airbnb prompts 57% growth in hotel refurbs
UK hotels have increased their spending on refurbishments by 57% to £1.6bn in the past year to compete with home-lettings websites. According to new research from online business finance firm Funding Options, spending was up from £1.03bn the previous year. The report said established hotels are investing in their facilities…
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Aug- 2016 -17 AugustEditor's Blog
Spare a thought for French hoteliers
It’s important to keep an eye on what’s happening elsewhere. While Hotel Owner focuses mainly on the UK market, lessons can be learnt from market performance overseas and by analysing the causes. This month brought the news that the hotel industry in Paris is suffering from a massive drop in occupancy rates compared…
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