The Coventry and Warwickshire Convention Bureau has launched a new industry network to support the growth and collaboration of hotels and accommodation providers across the region.
Known as the Coventry and Warwickshire Hotel and Accommodation General Manager Network, it aims to share best practice, address sector challenges and promote joint working across the region.
The bureau itself was launched earlier this year as part of destination management organisation Destination Coventry.
More than 30 representatives from the local hospitality sector attended the network’s inaugural meeting at Hotel Indigo Coventry to agree key goals and targets. Topics included developing new data on market share, improving awareness of major regional events, and exploring opportunities for hotels to work together in attracting new business to the area.
The meeting also examined how hotels could use collective buying power through supplier networks and discussed shared challenges including food pricing, profitability and adopting new technology.
The network is chaired by Michael Lyons, cluster general manager at Castlebridge Hospitality, which operates Hotel Indigo Coventry.
Lyons said: “The aim of this new network is to draw and bring together the knowledge and experience from all of the hotels in Coventry and Warwickshire to support a strong future for the hotel and accommodation sector.
“I’m delighted to have been invited to chair the network. From my experience working in the hotel industry and with similar associations elsewhere in the country, I have seen how collaboration can really drive positive change for the industry.”
He added: “There was a really strong turnout for the inaugural meeting. There was a great buzz in the room and a shared enthusiasm by everyone present to make this a real success. By working together we can help to share and promote Coventry and Warwickshire’s story across the UK, Ireland and beyond.”
Paul McMahon, managing director at Destination Coventry, added: “We’re committed to creating platforms that will allow partners across Coventry and Warwickshire to collaborate, and this network is the latest of these initiatives.
“We’re excited about its potential and look forward to working with its members to continue to strengthen the region’s visitor economy.”
