Today’s news in brief – 26/10/23
PPHE Hotel Group posted robust results for the third quarter of the year, with revenue increasing by 8.8% to £141m. This growth was primarily driven by a surge in occupancy rates, which significantly narrowed the gap compared to pre-pandemic levels. Total room revenue also saw an increase of 8.6% to £98.6m, while the average room rate remained stable at £176.4. Occupancy levels improved to 77.5% compared to 70.8% in the same quarter in 2022. The group noted that it performed particularly well in the UK and The Netherlands. PPHE Hotel Group is on track to open new properties, including the art’otel London Hoxton in early 2024, contributing to a positive outlook for the full-year revenue, expected to reach at least £400m, and EBITDA of at least £120m.
The QHotels Collection has expanded its team with the appointment of Paula Turton as the national account director for leisure and Lucy Whittington as the leisure sales support executive. Turton’s responsibilities include overseeing domestic and inbound travel trade, managing the brand’s presence at trade exhibitions, and participating in trade associations like UKInbound and The Coach Tourism Association. Whittington will work alongside Turton, assisting in the booking process for clients. These appointments reflect the company’s commitment to growing its representation among industry buyers as it continues to develop its presence in the market. The QHotels Collection comprises 19 hotels and resorts across the UK, including well-known properties like Slaley Hall Hotel, Spa and Golf Resort, Crewe Hall Hotel and Spa, and Chesford Grange Hotel.
Clink Hostels has unveiled its latest property, Clink i Lár, a 628-bed hostel located in the heart of Dublin. This marks the sixth addition to Clink Hostels’ portfolio and its first property in the Republic of Ireland. Clink i Lár offers various air-conditioned rooms, including private ensuite rooms, female-only rooms, and mixed dorms. The hostel is strategically situated in Dublin’s historic Abbey Street, just minutes away from iconic attractions like Temple Bar and the Ha’penny Bridge. It also features communal kitchen facilities, an in-house café, and cocktail bar named WunderBar. Additionally, Clink i Lár offers activities such as free group walking tours, enhancing the social experience for travellers. The expansion to Dublin signifies a return to Clink Hostels’ Irish roots and its commitment to fostering community engagement among travellers in this lively city.
Lakeside Hotel and Spa, located on Lake Windermere, is creating opportunities for students in the North West by offering conference days, work experience, and practical training sessions. The hotel supports students from various colleges and universities, including Runshaw College, Blackburn College, Lancaster and Morecambe College, Furness College, Kendal College, and Huddersfield University. They also offer a Management Degree Apprenticeship through the University of Cumbria. Several full-time staff members have joined Lakeside Hotel and Spa after gaining experience or attending conferences at the hotel. The management team aims to further strengthen relationships with local educational institutions to provide more career opportunities for young people in the hospitality and tourism industry. This initiative aligns with the Lake District Hotel Association’s three-year plan to elevate the profile of the hospitality industry in the region.
