Cynera Rodricks - 10 Minutes News for Hoteliers - Page 13

2 min

Scotland’s tourism industry launches Holyrood 2026 manifesto

📅 The Scottish Tourism Alliance (STA) launched the Holyrood 2026 Manifesto, urging political parties to support the £17bn tourism sector. By 2030, Scotland aims to be a leading visitor destination. The strategy acknowledges a 1.4 million drop in domestic trips in 2024 and calls for enhanced transport and digital infrastructure. Each £1 in VisitScotland marketing returns £18 to the economy. The manifesto seeks a cabinet minister for tourism, sustainable aviation growth, and support for industry innovation and job growth.

1 min

Eastwood Park brought to market for £6m

🏨 Eastwood Park near Wotton-under-Edge, Gloucestershire, is on the market for £6 million. The Grade II listed hotel includes 71 ensuite rooms, eight meeting rooms for up to 150 delegates, and expansive outdoor grounds. Owner John Thatcher, retiring after 30 years, aims for a new buyer via Christie and Co. The venue, hosting weddings, meetings, and conferences, has significant growth and development potential, especially in leisure and corporate sectors.

1 min

Aethos appoints Lily Wecker as new chief executive

📈 Lily Wecker became CEO of Aethos on October 1, 2025. She will lead Aethos's international expansion in Europe, the Americas, and Asia. Aethos's new flagship, Aethos London Shoreditch, follows the launch of Aethos Mallorca. The group operates in London, Lisbon, Ericeira, Mallorca, Milan, Monterosa, Saragano, Sardinia, and Corsica. Previously, Wecker held roles at Zetland Capital and Mandarin Oriental, and she has an MBA from Harvard. Founded in 2018, Aethos blends hotels and private member clubs.

2 min

McKeever Hotels appoints NICHS as charity partner

🏨 McKeever Hotels, a family-owned group in Northern Ireland, partnered with Northern Ireland Chest Heart and Stroke (NICHS) as their charity for 2025. Fundraising began on October 1 across six hotels, including Armagh City Hotel. Notably, their 2024 drive for NI Children’s Hospice raised over £20,000. Initiatives include the “Green Rooms” scheme and donating 5p per cup sold. NICHS supports 400,000 people with heart conditions, relying on public donations for nearly 90% of its income.

1 min

Cedar Court Hotels appoints director of people and culture

🏨 Cedar Court Hotels, Yorkshire’s largest independent hotel group, appoints Colin Charles as director of people and culture, enhancing workforce development. Over the past year, increased investment in people initiatives aids recruitment, retention, and career progression. Charles introduces a “culture summit” and recruits culture ambassadors. Cedar Court, with properties in Bradford, Harrogate, Huddersfield, and Wakefield, emphasizes “Proper Yorkshire Hospitality” and fostering a supportive workplace in the hospitality sector.

1 min

Balfour Hospitality to sell Hush Heath Inns portfolio

🍺 Balfour Hospitality sold its Hush Heath Inns portfolio, a five-pub joint venture with Stonegate Pub Company established in 2017. The pubs, including locations in Painswick, Tenterden, Rye, Forest Row, and Hollingbourne, are now fully owned by Stonegate. Balfour focuses on its venues, forecasting over 70,000 visitors at Balfour Winery in Kent in 2025. Led by Leslie Balfour-Lynn, the company operates boutique hotels and restaurants, ensuring an "authentically English experience.

1 min

Arora Group appoints new chief executive officer

🏨 Sanjay Arora becomes CEO of Arora Group, succeeding founder Surinder Arora. Having been with the group for over a decade, Sanjay has led major transactions, including acquiring two shopping centres and St John’s Wood Care Home. His new role focuses on expanding the group's presence in the UK hospitality and property sectors. Surinder praises Sanjay’s blend of innovation and respect for values, ensuring the group’s continued growth and success.

1 min

Radisson Individuals reaches 100-hotel milestone

🏨 Radisson Hotel Group's Radisson Individuals brand has surpassed 100 hotels since its 2020 launch. Locations include Le Relais de La Malmaison near Paris, HARBR Hotel Ludwigsburg in Germany, Crystals Beach Resort Belle Mare in Mauritius, and Namah Nainital in Uttarakhand, India. The portfolio now has three categories: Radisson Individuals, Radisson Individuals Premier, and Radisson Individuals Boutique. Elie Younes, EVP and Global Chief Development Officer, highlights the brand's success in setting industry trends.

1 min

Chipping Norton bank for sale with boutique hotel planning consent

🏠 A former HSBC branch in Chipping Norton is on the market for £1.8m. Located at 18–19 Market Place, it consists of two four-storey buildings, totaling 11,342 sq ft, with a large garden. Vacated in 2017, planning permission was granted in 2020 for a 31-room boutique hotel. Permission remains valid as of 2024. The site, in a conservation area within the Cotswolds, also has potential for alternative uses, marketed by Watling Real Estate.

1 min

St Brides Spa Hotel wins Hotel of the Year at AA Hospitality Awards

🏫 St Brides Spa Hotel in Saundersfoot clinched the 2025 AA Hospitality Awards Hotel of the Year for Wales, marking its second win since 2011. This accolade follows a three-month refurbishment upgrading all 35 rooms and expanding event spaces for 100 delegates. Enhancements include a Himalayan infra-red salt room and revamped Cliff Restaurant. Managed by the Celtic Collection since 2024, St Brides exemplifies Welsh hospitality, joining Cardiff's Parkgate Hotel, the 2024 winner.

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