Today’s news in brief – 27/10/23
Accor, a global hospitality company, reported a strong performance in the third quarter of the year, with like-for-like revenues increasing by 13% to €1.28bn (£1.11bn). The growth was driven by a 13% increase in the premium, midscale, and economy division, and a 17% increase in the luxury and lifestyle division. Despite challenging comparisons with the previous year, hotel demand remained robust throughout Q3, with a 15% increase in Revenue Per Available Room (RevPAR) compared to the prior year. Accor’s underlying dynamics continued to show high average prices and an improved occupancy rate compared to 2019 levels. The company opened 73 hotels in the third quarter, achieving net unit growth of 3% over the past year, and had a substantial pipeline of around 219,000 rooms for future developments. For 2023, Accor confirmed a forecast of net unit growth between 2% and 3%.
Parkdean Resorts is one of 109 businesses in the hospitality industry that signed The Hospitality Wellbeing and Development Promise. This initiative, driven by the Hospitality and Tourism Board as part of the Hospitality Sector Council, focuses on supporting workforce development. Signatory companies, including Greene King, Odeon, Pizza Express, and Sodexo, collectively committed to fostering a respectful work environment, identifying training and development opportunities at all levels, implementing diversity and inclusion policies, and ensuring fair rewards for their employees. The effort is seen as a priority for the industry and has received government support through the Hospitality and Tourism Skills Board.
The Castle of Comfort hotel in Dodington was sold for £1.1m to a private individual. The property is a three-star silver award hotel with nine en-suite bedrooms, a restaurant, a bar lounge, and a three-bedroom owner’s cottage. It is set in the scenic surroundings of the Quantock Hills, offering potential for further development. The hotel holds nostalgic value for the buyer, who used to live there, and the family-run business will continue under new ownership.
Hand Picked Hotels has appointed Louise Gordon as its first head of wine. Gordon, a wine expert with over 20 years of experience, will oversee the wine portfolio for the collection of 21 luxury country houses and coastal retreats. She will work closely with the hotels’ chefs and sommeliers to curate wine offerings that complement the modern British cuisine served across the collection. Gordon’s role will also involve staff education and training related to wine. The move is part of Hand Picked Hotels’ commitment to providing high-quality food and drink experiences for its guests and residents.
