Briefing: The urban planning revolution

Modern developers and investors are thinking about urban space differently. Mixed-use builds are maximising space in cities, and some hospitality companies are doubling up assets in new projects.

In Manchester, proposals have been made for a new “community” on the site of the old ITV studios. This will have 2-3 new hotels, including an event hotel called Manchester Grande. Nearby, Cycas Hospitality is planning to open two IHG hotels, a Crowne Plaza hotel and a Staybridge Suites, in The University of Manchester‘s campus development.

Our experts give their perspectives on new developments:

The St John’s community development in Manchester is being planned by Allied London, who now have control of the former ITV/Granada studios site. They have also proposed plans for a ‘vertical village consisting of 1,200 homes within six interconnected towers.’ This would be built on a separate area of former ITV owned land.

The University of Manchester‘s campus development is a £1billion project. The Crowne Plaza business hotel and the Staybridge Suites extended stay accommodation will adjoin Manchester Business School’s new two-storey Executive Education Centre. The hotels will serve university visitors and business travellers.

These large scale projects reflect the developments in Stratford for the 2012 Olympics, where IHG also placed two asset classes together; Holiday Inn and Staybridge Suites.

Mixed-use projects and new “communities” are being developed across the globe, often in high rise buildings when space is tight. In Dubai a new ‘Cayan Cantara’ development by Cyan Group will have two towers and an adjoining bridge. The project includes branded residences, hotel apartments, shops, and a spa.

These clever developments will continue to offer hotels, serviced apartments, and other asset classes more and more different ways to fit into the changing urban landscape.

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Video clips produced by yBC for the Hospitality Channel, including interview from industry conferences such as the IHIF conference as well as specific Hospitality Channel shoots.

Briefing: Hospitality is a valuable job creator

Travel & Tourism is one of the world’s largest industries and offers many fantastic opportunities for a great career. According to figures from WTTC the industry supports 277 million jobs and generates 9.8 per cent of world GDP. In the UK hospitality currently has a 3 million strong workforce and, in the run up to the general election, is being recognised as a key contributor to the UK economy.

In this briefing four experts discuss hospitality careers and share why they fell in love with the industry:

Key political parties in the UK have mentioned hospitality and tourism in their election manifesto’s, with each pledging to support the sector through various means. The recognition for this suburb industry has been welcomed by the British Hospitality Association, an organisation which campaigns for jobs and growth in the industry. The organisation is campaigning for 60,000 new job opportunities for young people in the UK by 2016 and has recently reached the 40,000 milestone. A report from the TourismAlliance, UK Tourism Statistics 2014, states that, ‘Tourism is the fastest growing sector in the UK in employment terms, responsible for almost one third of the net increase in UK jobs between 2010 and 2013.’

According to UNWTO one job in tourism generates 1.5 jobs elsewhere. UNWTOs publication Measuring Employment in the Tourism Industries says; ‘International tourism continues to exceed expectations, supporting economic growth in both advanced and emerging economies and bringing much needed support to job creation, GDP and the balance of payments of many destinations.’

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Video clips produced by yBC for the Hospitality Channel, including interview from industry conferences such as the IHIF conference as well as specific Hospitality Channel shoots.

Briefing: Hospitality and tourism drive luxury consumption

The latest edition of the Bain Luxury Study has found that the overall luxury market exceeded €850 billion in 2014 and showed a growth of 7% overall. The report says that luxury hospitality (9%) was driving this growth, along with luxury cars (10%).

The worldwide market study states that: ‘The luxury-goods industry in most markets is now driven by touristic spending.’ It says that many tourists are willing to spend more when abroad than at home, and that this is particularly true of Chinese tourists who spend three times more when abroad. It is interesting to note that in 2014 luxury spending within China showed a negative trend of 1% growth for the first time since the study has been published. However, the consumer segment which report calls the ‘upper-middle-class “wannabe”’ in China is expected to double by 2017.

In this briefing experts discuss luxury brands and consumer behaviour worldwide:

In the hospitality market, luxury hotels have had steady growth (up 9%). According to the report it is ‘younger generations seeking superior lifestyle experiences’, who have helped to fuel 5% growth in the cruise market.

Research by the Travel Leaders Group found Luxury hospitality bookings in the U.S are going strong. The survey states that 92% of luxury oriented travel agents had increased or steady bookings in 2014.

The Affluence & Wealth Survey by Time Inc. and YouGov sheds some light on the luxury consumer. In a survey of high earning individuals (predominately American), 78% of people said they enjoy being treated like a VIP. 73% said they worry less about money while on holiday.

So how can brands appeal to luxury consumers? The Affluence & Wealth Survey found that 82% of people prefer brands that reflect their values, and 82% prefer brands that stay true to their history and heritage. There is also a strong use of mobile devices among luxury consumers. According to Criteo, 33% of Fashion and Luxury Transactions are on mobile.

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Video clips produced by ybc.hpgcms.wpengine.com for the Hospitality Channel, including interview from industry conferences such as the IHIF conference as well as specific Hospitality Channel shoots.

Briefing: A new era for hotel F&B?

After 187 years one of the London’s oldest hotel restaurants, Simpsons-in-the-Strand, part of The Savoy, could be closing according to The Londonist. This could indicate a shift in attitudes towards food and beverage in the industry. But while it may be the end for this traditional establishment other hotel brands are taking on more F&B projects and finding new ways to make them stand out. How integral are restaurants to a hotel experience? Our experts discuss the importance of F&B:

The Savoy is managed by Fairmont Hotel and Resorts and has six restaurants and bars. Simpsons-in-the-Strand offers a very traditionally British dining experience but may be bought and rebranded by another operator, according to the report.

On 16 January IHG acquired Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants for $430 million. Kimpton operates 71 hotel-based destination restaurants and bars. This is not the only area where IHG is showing an interest in F&B. IHG’s Hotel Indigo boutique brand has launched a new “food and drink philosophy” focusing on “Locally crafted” products. The brand is running a competition in the UK to find “Britain’s favourite local food artisan” and has celebrity chef Jimmy Doherty on the judging panel.

Finally, DoubleTree by Hilton has pulled in award winning chef Jean-Christophe Novelli for it’s new property in Liverpool, which opens in April this year.

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Video clips produced by ybc.tv for the Hospitality Channel, including interview from industry conferences such as the IHIF conference as well as specific Hospitality Channel shoots.

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