Hilton Garden Inn Birmingham Airport flies into Aimbridge EMEA portfolio
Aimbridge Hospitality EMEA has announced the latest addition to its portfolio, with the signing of the Hilton Garden Inn Birmingham Airport.
The 178-guestroom property is located on Concorde Road at the airport site and offers modern amenities including a fitness centre, business centre, and an on-site restaurant and bar.
Some rooms at the property overlook the runway at Birmingham International Airport and the city’s NEC Arena is also just minutes away. Birmingham City Centre can also be reached by train in around 15 minutes from the airport station.
The property marks the seventh airport hotel within Aimbridge EMEA’s UK portfolio.
David Anderson, Divisional President at Aimbridge EMEA, commented: "We are excited to welcome the Hilton Garden Inn Birmingham Airport to our UK portfolio.
“The signing marks another milestone in our strategic growth plan and we are excited to bring our operational expertise to this property, which includes a wealth of experience managing airport hotels across the UK.
“As ever, our focus will be on delivering exceptional guest experiences and driving strong performance for the hotel."
The signing follows the addition of the 120-guestroom Hampton by Hilton St Helen’s to the Aimbridge portfolio, as well as the recent opening of the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Ghent – a 126-guestroom property on the outskirts of the Belgian city.
For further information about Aimbridge EMEA, visit www.aimbridgeEMEA.com
Burgh Island Hotel to Host Bigbury Net Zero Assembly 2025 to Tackle Water Pollution in Devon
Leading climate experts and local leaders to gather at Burgh Island Hotel to address the urgent threat
of water pollution and its impact on local communities
Devon Rivers Manifesto will be presented as a blueprint for national action on the UK’s river
Burgh Island Hotel, the iconic Art Deco retreat on a private tidal island, has today announced the return of the Island Assembly on Thursday 13th March 2025, from 10.30 am to 4:30pm. This year’s conference will focus on tackling water pollution, with a particular emphasis on Devon’s rivers, which are under severe threat, as 80% currently fail to achieve ‘good’ ecological status.
Monty Halls, the renowned marine biologist, conservationist, and broadcaster – best known for his work on the BBC, Channel 4 and National Geographic – will deliver the keynote address, highlighting the urgent threat of water pollution and its impact on local communities and the environment.
The Assembly, hosted by Avon River Champions and Bigbury Net Zero will feature a distinguished line-up of speakers, including Caroline Voaden, MP for South Devon, Guy Singh Waston, Founder of Riverford, Nick Bruce-White CEO of Devon Wildlife Trust, Katrina Walker, Solicitor World Wildlife Fund Gary Jolliffe, CEO of Force4Nature, and Simon Browning, Technical Lead at The Rivers Trust.
Louise Wainwright, Chair of Avon River Champions, will present the BluePrint Project, which champions the formation of River Water Quality Groups linking up parish councils along the river valleys and the communities that live there. This is a call to action urging environment organisations and local communities to consider the practical solutions to pollution and take immediate local steps to protect Devon’s waterways. The BluePrint Project includes a pledge to achieve ‘good’ ecological status across Devon’s rivers by 2027, by achieving this on a myriad of small catchments across Devon. The primary goal is to fully-fund farmers to install Nature-based Solutions to both agricultural pollution and sewage overspills. Reed-beds, leaky dams, river buffer zones are amongst the many easy-to-install practical solutions to pollution which also bring local communities together as they support local farmers to get this done.
The Devon Rivers Manifesto will also challenge elected MPs to use their mandate to restore the budgets needed for farmers to afford to undertake Catchment Sensitive Farming, and for the Environment Agency to control the excesses of water companies and ensure they comply with their Discharge Permit.
Following the success of the inaugural Island Assembly in 2022, which brought together over 60 delegates to discuss sustainability initiatives across energy, transport, and farming, this year’s event reaffirms Burgh Island Hotel’s commitment to eco-friendly hospitality and environmental advocacy.
Burgh Island Hotel has been a champion of sustainability for nearly two decades, first receiving the Green Apple Organisation’s Gold Award for Conservation in 2007. The hotel continues to set industry standards by sourcing 80% of its ingredients from within a 30-mile radius, installing solar panels on disused tennis courts, and implementing a guest opt-in policy for digital devices to reduce energy consumption.
Beyond its sustainability efforts within hospitality, Burgh Island Hotel actively supports the local community in South Hams through regular initiatives such as the Tom Crocker Day Festival and the Burgh Island Swim.
Giles Fuchs, Owner of Burgh Island Hotel, said: "While climate change is a global challenge, its impact is felt most acutely at a local level. As part of the South Hams community, Burgh Island Hotel is committed to playing its role in protecting our natural surroundings. Hosting the Island Assembly reflects our long-standing dedication to sustainability, and we are proud to support this vital initiative in driving positive change for Devon’s waterways."
Niki Fuchs, Owner of Burgh Island Hotel, said: "It is our pleasure to once again host the second iteration of the Island Assembly, and bring together local voices, experts, and policymakers to drive meaningful solutions to protect our rivers. As custodians of Burgh Island, it is our responsibility as part of the Bigbury community to work together to create real change, and such initiatives are essential to this.
Louise Wainwright, Chair of Avon River Champions, said: "We are thrilled to be able to hold the Island Assembly again this year, in partnership with Burgh Island. The BluePrint Project is a call to action for everyone to work in partnership to address the urgent need to halt pollution of our beloved rivers and estuaries. It’s fantastic to have so much support from some excellent speakers, scientists, local councils and leaders of environment and community groups at the forefront of the practical work needed to protect Devon’s waterways."
Armenia Named Destination of the Year for Adventure Tourism at PATWA International Travel Awards
Armenia has been named Destination of the Year for Adventure Tourism at the PATWA International Travel Awards 2025, held at ITB Berlin on 5 March 2025, one of the world's leading travel trade shows. This prestigious award highlights Armenia’s growing reputation as a top global destination for adventure seekers.
From its rugged mountains and scenic hiking trails to exhilarating outdoor activities like rock climbing, paragliding, and off-road exploration, Armenia offers an unparalleled experience for thrill-seekers and nature enthusiasts. The country’s rich cultural heritage, combined with breathtaking landscapes, makes it an ideal choice for travelers looking for unique and immersive adventures.
Lusine Gevorgyan, Chairman of the Tourism Committee of Armenia, expressed immense pride in receiving the award:
"This recognition is a testament to Armenia’s natural beauty, diverse adventure tourism offerings, and the dedication of our tourism sector. We invite travelers from around the world to explore Armenia’s stunning landscapes and experience the thrill of adventure in a land rich with history and hospitality."
Armenia has made significant strides in promoting sustainable and responsible adventure tourism, ensuring that its natural treasures remain preserved for future generations. With ongoing investments in eco-friendly infrastructure, developing adventure experiences, capacity building and local community engagement, the country continues to enhance its position as a premier adventure travel destination.
The PATWA (Pacific Area Travel Writers Association) International Travel Awards are among the most esteemed recognitions in the global travel and tourism industry, celebrating excellence in tourism, hospitality, and sustainable travel initiatives.
This award reinforces Armenia’s commitment to adventure tourism and its vision of offering world-class experiences in one of the most captivating landscapes on Earth.
For more information on tourism in Armenia, visit https://armenia.travel/
The Ned have teamed up with Guinness to bring you the best pint in the City in celebration of St Patricks Day
The esteemed The Ned, London have teamed up with the iconic Irish stout, Guinness, to bring consumers the best pint in the City.
Beginning on March 17th, The Long Bar will be launching a dedicated Guinness Bar, just in time for St Patrick's Day! The bar will be for walk-ins only, with no reservations accepted.
“We’re delighted to bring the Guinness Bar to The Ned, offering our guests an exciting and immersive way to enjoy Guinness in the City,” said Jack Cohn, Food and Beverage Director at The Ned. “From perfectly poured pints to an innovative menu of food and cocktails, we’ve created an experience that is both authentic and elevated — ideal for celebrating St Patrick’s Day and beyond.”
Alongside the pints, guests will have a choice from a variety of snacks and small dishes, including a mini beef and onion pie with Guinness gravy, Guinness Cheddar croquettes with garlic mayonnaise and parmesan and crisps served with caviar.
IHG Hotels & Resorts opens first branded net zero carbon hotel in partnership with Zeal Hotels
): IHG Hotels & Resorts, one of the world’s leading hotel companies, has opened voco Zeal Exeter Science Park – IHG’s first branded net zero* carbon hotel, in partnership with Zeal Hotels and Valor Hospitality. It has been designed to operate entirely on renewable and solar energy.
As with all voco branded hotels, the 142-room voco Zeal Exeter Science Park has been designed to help guests truly unwind and feel at ease with the use of neutral tones and contemporary features throughout the guest rooms and public spaces. Guests staying at the hotel will have access to a mini gym, gardens, a versatile meeting space and 12 EV charging points. The hotel’s onsite restaurant and bar, ISCA, emphasises the use of locally-sourced ingredients, collaborating with regional farms and producers to offer fresh, responsible dining options.
The voco Zeal Exeter Science Park stands out with its sustainable design, which earned a BREAAM Outstanding rating, a renowned sustainable buildings certification. It is the first building in the UK that has utilised the Solarlab vertical photovoltaic panels as a rainscreen cladding system. It also follows the Passivhaus standard for ultra-low energy buildings and uses adiabatic cooling and heat reversible heat pumps to reduce energy usage.
In line with voco’s commitment to innovation and sustainability and a belief that small steps collectively make a big difference, voco Zeal Exeter Science Park was constructed using materials chosen for their sustainable characteristics and assembled innovatively to achieve best-in-class results. For example, they have used Ecocrete during construction, a low carbon concrete with up to 85% less CO2 than CEM1 (100% cement).
Barnaby Kean, General Manager, voco Zeal Exeter Science Park, commented: “I am thrilled to be able to open the doors to guests and proving not only that it is possible to prioritise sustainability during construction, but also while operating - and all without diminishing the guest experience.”
Voco hotels is IHG's fastest growing premium brand, offering a hotel experience that is consistently thoughtful and distinct. Each property is characterised by its individual charm, providing guests with something different while also ensuring the reliability of a global brand. There are currently 29 voco hotels open across Europe with more than 20 due to open in the next three to five years.
For more information, visit voco’s website here or follow on Instagram.
Foxhills Inspires Colleagues with International Women’s Day Event
Foxhills Club & Resort celebrated International Women’s Day and the women behind the thriving business in Surrey on Friday, continuing its ongoing commitment to the wellbeing and development of its team. The event featured a series of thought-provoking and inspiring panel discussions focusing on vital topics affecting the progression of women in the workplace, including culture, leadership, and work/life balance.
Female and male team members from across the Foxhills resort - including housekeeping, maintenance, spa, golf, gym, racquets, events, weddings, marketing, finance, HR, leisure and F&B - gathered at the event aimed to inspire, educate, and spark meaningful conversations about the unique challenges that women face in their professional journeys.
The panel included Alessandra Antonelli, Head of Marketing at Addison Lee, Alison King, CIPD, MD and Founder of Bespoke HR, Danielle Fletcher, Transactional Banking and Liquidity Director at Santander, and Raelene Antao, Global Head of Compliance and Governance at DVA Group, who offered practical advice and inspiration to the Foxhills team.
Discussions included understanding that success in business doesn’t hinge solely on following a conventional path. Instead, speakers encouraged embracing experimentation and imperfection, trusting your instincts, and being willing to take risks—whether that means stepping into leadership roles or simply saying yes to new challenges.
Raelene Antao shared: “It’s difficult to let go of perfection – say yes, embrace imperfection, and take on something new.”
In addition to encouraging personal growth, speakers reinforced the importance of believing in oneself and putting trust in yourself. Danielle Fletcher highlighted: “View each other as professionals, not based on gender.”
The discussion also touched on the balance between career and personal life, with speakers encouraging team members to set boundaries, to be fair, and treat others with respect. Understanding and mastering a craft was a key takeaway, highlighting the importance of continuous professional development, while others advocated for the value of work-life balance encouraging attendees to look beyond gender and build a strong support system.
Alison King reinforced the importance of mentorship and leadership highlighting the importance of learning from each other. She said: “Be a role model – learn from interactions and take inspiration from others to grow.”
The celebration left attendees motivated and equipped with new tools to succeed in their careers. Foxhills remains dedicated to fostering an inclusive and supportive workplace, where all team members can thrive and achieve their full potential and is proud to have a 50:50 gender split across a workforce of 400 employees, including in management/head of department positions. It is living up to its brand mission statement of making colleagues feel ‘where you belong’ and its core HR values of ‘make a difference’ and ‘never stop learning’.
SIHOT delivers hotel reservations to Apple and Google Wallets
Guests to benefit from quick and streamlined check-in process with instant access to their hotel reservation details on their mobile device
SIHOT, one of the leading hotel management systems, has digitalised booking information, enabling guests to add hotel reservations to their Apple or Google Wallets.
Using a QR code in the digitalised hotel reservation, guests benefit from a more seamless digital experience at check-in. With instant access to booking information on their mobile device and smooth integration with existing SIHOT products – SIHOT.PMS, SIHOT.WEB, SIHOT.KIOSK and SIHOT.GO! – the digitalised reservation confirmation simplifies guest identification on self-service terminals and at the front desk.
Providing convenience to guests with all travel details easily accessible on their phones, thanks to Google or Apple Wallets, this development aligns with the digital transformation of hospitality by improving operational efficiency while enhancing guest communication. With cutting-edge technology, guests can seamlessly access their booking details anytime, directly from their Apple or Google Wallet. For guests, this ensures a smoother check-in experience, reduces the hassle of searching for confirmation emails, and keeps all essential travel details conveniently at hand.
Carsten Wernet, Chief Executive of SIHOT said, “We want to further improve the guest experience – we all know how frustrating and tedious it can be to have to wade through hundreds of emails to find that one booking confirmation. Through Apple or Google Wallet, we provide instant access to their reservation information, enabling hotels to facilitate quick check-ins from the front desk or with our automated self-service systems. With this information easily at hand, this will also cut queues on arrival without having to wait for guests to find their booking confirmation details.”
While the reservation confirmations facilitate key replacement on self-service check-in kiosks, guests will still be required to provide all relevant information to fulfil their stay.
For more information contact SIHOT or visit www.sihot.com
IRIS Expands Mobile Ordering Partnership With Coury Hospitality to Enhance Guest Experience
Pioneering hospitality technology firm announces partnership with leading hospitality management company to provide brand standard for F&B digital service for guests
IRIS, the global provider of mobile F&B and guest experience platforms for the hospitality sector, today announces it has partnered with Coury Hospitality, the leading hospitality management company, to extend F&B mobile ordering across its portfolio following a 44% year-on-year increase in in-room dining sales.
Currently live in 12 Coury Hospitality-managed hotels, the new partnership agreement will see IRIS deliver the brand standard for F&B mobile dining to all the group’s properties worldwide. Built to enable operators to deliver swifter, more efficient order processing, it is a seamless way for guests to order F&B items via their own device, without the need for an additional app.
The agreement follows the successful implementation of the IRIS mobile ordering solution at several Coury Hospitality hotels which has delivered an impressive 44% growth in in-room dining sales over the past year, demonstrating the platform’s popularity and adoption.
Mobile ordering has enabled the hotels to capture more guest orders and boost guest spend, mainly driven by the ease of ordering and visibility of additional items and upsells which encourages guests to order more per transaction.
Commenting on the partnership, Nicole Haarklau, Director of F&B Operations, Coury Hospitality said, “The response from both guests and staff since we first introduced the IRIS F&B Ordering solution has been overwhelmingly positive. Delivery times have been reduced, and the growth in order volumes, revenue and guest satisfaction is testament to its accessibility and performance.
“Indeed, the number of orders made via mobile now significantly exceeds those made over the phone as guests have been swift to engage at an encouraging rate. The added convenience and time saved have really added to its appeal.
“As guests increasingly turn to mobile ordering it is vital that we partner with a provider that has the knowledge and capability to deliver a solution that enables us to meet this demand and critically, grow with us as we look to expand our portfolio in the future. The IRIS team have proven to be a valuable, dynamic ally with integrations across both our PMS and POS systems which has meant deployment and adoption by staff has been straightforward. We look forward to extending the partnership as they deliver the brand standard for mobile ordering across our portfolio in the future. “
Graham Rushin, VP Sales and Marketing at IRIS added, “Guest demand for mobile dining is accelerating at an unprecedented rate and the growth in digital order volumes and revenue speak for themselves. Across our portfolio we are continuing to invest in the development of solutions that enhance both the guest and staff experience so that ordering is seamless and hoteliers are equipped to realise their full revenue potential.
“Coury Hospitality has undergone an incredible period of growth and we look forward to continuing to work with the team to support and drive forward their plans for the future, delivering a brand standard for mobile ordering that will continue to exceed expectations across its portfolio.”
In Coury Hospitality-managed hotels, IRIS mobile in-room dining is accessible to guests via a QR code situated in strategic locations within guest rooms. The direct integration to the hotel’s POS enables orders to be digitally delivered directly to the kitchens, reducing guest wait times and eliminating errors. Likewise, guests benefit from a more readily available menu to view, order and pay at their convenience.
Christie & Co Report Reveals Positive Developments In The Austrian Hotel Market In 2024
The Austrian hotel market is showing positive trends again after the uncertain years of 2020-2023. Overnight stays in Austria reached a new all-time high in 2024, highlighting the strong tourist demand. Vienna Airport also recorded a new record high with around 32 million passengers, surpassing 2019 levels.
Despite these positive tourist developments, the investment market is still lagging somewhat behind: although the transaction volume increased in 2024 compared to 2023, it remains below the 10-year average. The most active players were primarily hotel operators and developers, in addition to opportunistic buyers.
A highlight of the year was the largest single transaction, the Austria Trend Hotel Ananas, which significantly contributed to the investment volume of 190 million euros in the first half of the year with its 539 rooms. In the second half of the year, hotels worth 160 million euros changed hands, resulting in a total transaction volume of 350 million euros – about 25% below the 10-year average. The majority of transactions took place in Vienna, but there were also significant sales in other regions such as Vorarlberg and Styria.
The financing landscape eased due to the lower key interest rate, and hotels are once again considered an attractive asset class. Nevertheless, hotel transactions still take longer compared to before the interest rate hike in 2022. The average duration from market approach to contract signing is usually over six months. However, there are exceptions: Christie & Co successfully completed two transactions for institutional investors in approximately four months in 2024.
Significant transactions in Vienna included the Austria Trend Hotel Ananas, the Courtyard by Marriott Vienna Messe Prater, the Moxy/Residence Inn Erdberg, and the NH Wien City. Other notable sales were the Night Inn in Feldkirch, the Mozart Vital Hotel near Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis, and the Hotel Tauernblick in Schladming.
Manuel Strasser, Associate Director at Christie & Co, comments: "The strong tourist demand combined with a slow relaxation in the real estate industry and a more relaxed interest rate policy, coupled with the attractiveness of the hotel asset class, are positive signs for a transaction-rich year in 2025."
To read the full report, click here: https://www.christie.com/news-resources/publications/austrian-hotel-investment-market-report-2024/
Verdi Hotels Extends Its Footprints in North Africa
Verdi Hotels, a pioneering, modern lifestyle brand offering an upscale hotel experience, has ambitious expansion plans for 2025, and has commenced the year by entering North Africa for the first time, introducing Verdi Tunis, Beach Resort.
Verdi Tunis, Beach Resort is the first property in Verdi Hotels’ portfolio located in North Africa, and the brand’s debut resort hotel – located directly on the beach front in an excellent location, the property provides all year-round sun and features 300 rooms, 5 restaurants & bars, meeting rooms including 2 ballrooms, direct access to the beach, as well as indoor and outdoor pools.
The expansion marks a key milestone for the group as it ventures into a new region, underscoring its dedication to growing its presence in up-and-coming travel destinations.
Verdi Hotels’ locations are chosen for their distinctive ability to offer guests authentic cultural immersion. The properties are centred around the local culture, providing truly authentic stays and ensuring guests step away with an enriched experience.
The creation and expansion of Verdi Hotels is led by hospitality sector figures, Paul Pisani and Jonathon Liu.
Paul Pisani, President, Verdi Hotels says: “This expansion reflects our commitment to delivering unique and unforgettable experiences tailored to the needs of today’s traveller. At the heart of this expansion is our commitment to embracing and celebrating local culture and we’ll continue to push the boundaries and bring our brand to even more destinations in 2025 and beyond.”
Jonathon Liu, Chief Commercial Officer, Verdi Hotels adds: “We are incredibly excited to bring our signature hospitality to Tunis. Each location reflects our dedication to providing personalised and localised service to our guests – connecting them to the local culture. With our latest addition, Verdi Hotels continues to strengthen its position and broaden its reach to new audiences.”
Each of Verdi Hotels’ properties are centred around accessible comfort, which are implemented using the latest in hospitality technology, including the option for frictionless experiences. The roll out of ‘The Hub’ will be featured in the hotel, a ‘Just Walk Out Technology’ including in-hotel amenities including local snacks and travel essentials. The technology detects when products are taken from or returned to shelves and enables self-checkout without any human interaction.
The Verdi Hotels brand caters for a wide range of occasions and travellers – from city break weekends, business trips, leisure and adventure encompassing a broad range of social groups, couple, and family audiences. Future plans for 2025 include further expansion within Europe and the Middle East.