Green Accreditations
By Oliva Jayne Shepherd
The new generation of guests and diners are increasingly making buying decisions based on vendors approach to sustainability issues. The young are driving demand for environmentally friendly products and practices, and at the same time educating and encouraging the older generation to do the same. Even those that still want to deny the existence of climate change, cannot deny the sentiment of others.
So, how can a hotel demonstrate a comment to sustainable practices and attract this wave of eco-savvy consumers? A great first step is to obtain and promote one of these green accreditations.
Green Tourism Award
Green Tourism encourages businesses to participate in improving sustainability within the industry by adopting greener practices. People, places and planet are key focus points for this organisation: promoting engagement with local communities, protecting the natural environment and commitment to reducing the carbon footprint of the industry. Tourism businesses demonstrating dedication to sustainable and environmentally-friendly practice are recognised with a bronze, silver or gold award which is acknowledged worldwide. Members of Green Tourism benefit from specialist advice supporting the development of greener operations, involvement in monthly sustainability campaigns, access to an exclusive interactive carbon calculator, discounts and offers from approved and affiliate suppliers and a Green Tourism certificate, logo and plaque for property marketing purposes. The ten minute Green Check Quiz on their website allows businesses to find out if they are eligible for a green tourism award. To join Green Tourism businesses can complete a full Green Check Assessment online and pay an initial registration fee and annual fees are variable dependent on the type and size of the business.
Green Key
Green Key, an official international programme of the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), is a non-profit making programme therefore, participation costs are lower in comparison too other accreditation schemes. Green key’s objective is to increase environmentally friendly practices, making use of technology to support sustainable operations. This eco-label emphasises the importance of raising awareness fostering behaviour change amongst establishments and their staff in addition to their guests and customers.
Tourism and hospitality establishments worldwide are eligible to apply for the Green Key award. The self-assessment form enables businesses to evaluate their readiness to apply for the award and full details of the criteria that must be met may be obtained by contacting the relevant national operator. Frequent audits and comprehensive documentation are used to ensure compliance with the strict criteria outlined by the FEE, which is also recognised by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council.
TripAdvisor Green Leaders Programme
TripAdvisor, perhaps better known as a review site, highlights businesses committed to sustainability and eco-friendly values. TripAdvisor developed the GreenLeaders programme alongside The UK Green Building Council, The Carbon Trust, the international tourism partnership and the UNEP. Applications for the programme take place online, with no fee, and consideration is given to a vast range of environmentally friendly practices. Establishments are evaluated by business audits, conducted by an independent organisation, both in response to traveller feedback and on annual basis. Businesses receive a ranking of either Bronze, Silver, Gold or Platinum, which will be displayed clearly on the site listing alongside details of green practices conducted by the establishment. Customers are also able to filter searches on TripAdvisor to identify businesses with a GreenLeader badge. Businesses which are not eligible for a GreenLeader badge, but meet the minimum criteria of sustainable practices, are able to qualify as a GreenPartner.
Green Accord
Green Accord enables businesses of any type or size to apply for accreditation through a self- assessment tool. There are three levels of accreditation Select, Superior, Premier, achieved by fulfilling relevant criteria which is split into core requirements and operational requirements. Self-assessment offers an affordable method to implement environmentally friendly practices. Small establishments may be acknowledged without the need to bear the cost of establishing a full Environmental Management System (EMS). Larger establishments which already have their EMS accreditation, are able to add to this by developing and actively implementing eco-friendly practices and sustainable operations.
Applications for these accreditations is accelerating as the market responds to the demand. Hotel Buyer Store providing hoteliers with a large number of green hotel toiletries and other products to help hotels striving to meet the standards required, to obtain these accreditations, has seen a marked increase in requests for such products. Nick Hart, the company’s green products ambassador says “in recent weeks we have seen a return to the huge numbers of enquiries and sample requests that we were receiving prior to the pandemic, which understandably interrupted momentum briefly”.
To start your sustainability journey visit these to learn more: www.green-tourism.com, www.greenkeyengland.co.uk, www.tripadvisor.co.uk/GreenLeaders, www.green-accord.co.uk, www.hotel-buyer-store.co.uk
Back of the net… zero
As sustainability becomes a key emphasis through a number of industries, we explore why it is crucial to the hotel sector and the benefits more tenable decisions can bring to a business.
As the saying goes, we are only gifted with one body, which is why we must look after it and, simply, our planet is the same. The more eco-conscious we are now, the greater the effect we will be have on our future.
As the demand for a greener future grows across the board, it poses the question: ‘how do we navigate our way through the sustainability journey?’ and while no hotel can change the course of global warming on their own, every little helps.
Due to the attention on sustainability, several government bodies are helping businesses to act in that direction. The first thing to do is to check how your local institutions are supporting sustainable practice with initiatives such as bonuses for renewable energy resources, or partial refunds to those who invest in hydric systems to avoid water waste.
General Manager at the Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni in Lake Como, Jan Bucher, explained that guests are becoming more and more attentive to these aspects: “We think it’s a good thing because the only way to make meaningful changes is through the focus of the public opinion. I think that sustainability is not just an option anymore.”
It’s a common belief that it’s better to start from the simplest tasks, but Jan thinks that the opposite strategy is better: “The longer a change takes, the earlier it has to start because a vision is needed.
“We suggest to reduce (or avoid when possible) the plastic packaging, to select fish from sustainable fishing, to increase the local and seasonal products in a hotel menu, to buy electric devices with low energy consumption… the options are endless and there’s always something that can be done better.”
In the EU, there are several initiatives to increase the sensitivity towards the argument, and Jan explained that at the hotel they implement them within the management. The team also gives a ‘welcome letter’ to new employees expressing the values.
Owner of Amada Colossos Resort in Rhodes, Aris Soulounias, realises that every hospitality business is unique, and commented: “As sustainability grows to a holistic concept that touches every single part of our operations - from technical implementations regarding energy consumption, water consumption and material/waste management to the importance of educating the teams and promoting local businesses - there are a wealth of actions for each one of us.”
When embarking on a sustainability journey within a business, Aris sees that the most important step is to find the expert consultant who will guide you through the process and then draft a baseline report to understand where you are now, what the areas of opportunity are for your business, and which challenges you will have to overcome: “This step is crucial for your planning as you must, first and foremost, understand the needs and necessities of your hotel as well as your destination.”
At Amada Colossos Resort they have taken a series of strategic interventions in their facilities to maintain a lower carbon footprint, including all windowpanes and frames (an area of 2,000m²) that are energy efficient and all the heating and cooling in rooms and public spaces is handled by chillers and inverter pumps, reducing energy costs by three times. They also use LED technology light bulbs and light strips in all light fittings around the resort, reducing energy consumption and maintenance requirements. Furthermore, the resort have reorganised their waste management system and have introduced source separation activities to increase recovery and recycling of waste, also adverting their disposal to the landfill.
In our brave new world, responsible operations are the foundations of a healthy and successful hospitality project. Aris believes that, as hoteliers, you are ambassadors and trustees of your destinations: “Protection and respect towards the social and physical environment contribute to that end, not only by minimising certain costs but also by proving tangible proof points of our commitment to the destination via our sustainable choices.”
Stacey Fleming is the Group Director of Operations at Highland Coast Hotels, and she believes that there is no direct path to follow surrounding sustainability, it is more important to make steady changes that will, in turn, allow you to develop into a sustainable and greener business. At Highland Coast Hotels, they implement a variety of sustainable measures. Each of which would be a great start for hotels beginning their sustainability journey. These include: eliminating single-use plastics, introducing a laundry policy to reduce unnecessary water usage, meal planning to minimise food wastage and, wherever possible, sourcing food from local suppliers to reduce ‘food miles’. The hotel group is also minimising their use of energy, for example switching off lights when leaving a room and asking housekeeping staff servicing rooms not to switch on lights and TVs.
Stacey commented: “It is incredibly important to consistently monitor your own personal carbon footprint.”
The hotel sector currently accounts for 1% of global carbon emissions, and as part of Highland Coast Hotels’ Environmental Plan, their intent is to minimise the business’ impact on the environment, protecting it, and enhancing it wherever possible. This is particularly critical in such a fragile and sensitive area like the Scottish Highlands.
“In order to do this, we have a clear set of principles which will govern our activity, and a clear agenda of ‘Achieving Carbon Neutrality’ set around the three clear principles of measurement, reduction, and off-setting.
“People have a tendency to overcomplicate, and as a result, fear sustainability. We need to ensure that everyone is aware of the bigger picture and that by us all making small changes, together we can achieve something far greater.” Stacey added.
A big focus for Highland Coast Hotels is to introduce e-charging points across their portfolio to encourage the use of electric cars by guests and other users of the NC500. As a team who understand the fragility of the area’s ecosystem, and with the ever-increasing level of tourism, they are keen to ensure that their guests can travel responsibly: “This will also, in turn, contribute to a greater consumer experience, as it allows our guests to travel via electric car and we will become far more accessible to everyone.” Stacey concluded.
At Villa Lena, sustainability isn’t merely a lifestyle choice, it is at the absolute heart of what they do. Over the past six years, the team at the villa have made a conscious effort to invest into both large and small changes in order to be sustainable - from solar panels and large water recycling plants, to cutting out any single-use plastic.
Hotelier and Founder of Villa Lena, Lena Evstafieva, notices that committing to big infrastructure changes at the beginning can be difficult. So, in terms of advice, it is important to start from small everyday choices. Avoiding plastics could be a good beginning.
“In our opinion, you run the risk of falling behind if you don’t adapt and actively make changes to be more sustainable,” Lena added.
Being sustainable is more than a trend. In the world we live in today, it is our responsibility to build a sustainable future and business. In the hotel sector, the conscious use of resources is essential. The success of hospitality businesses is dependent on its ability to preserve the natural and cultural features that entice travellers to visit its regions. Failure to do so has consequences.
Lena explained that small details could make a big difference: “Starting from recycling is important and easy at the same time. Start small and then work on bigger plans to change infrastructure.
“We have air conditioning in our rooms, but we also have a sensor that stops the air conditioning when someone opens the window: this is an effortless choice to reduce energy waste and consumption.
“It is important to use local suppliers as much as possible. Choosing local products and services is significant for communities, a very sustainable choice.”
One of Villa Lena’s key objectives is significantly reducing their overall carbon footprint and energy consumption. The villa runs roughly 65% of the estate on green energy, having invested heavily into cutting-edge renewable energy sources, including solar panels and ground source air pumps. In addition, upgrading insulation in older buildings and motion sensor light switches in communal areas allow the villa to conserve energy even more efficiently.
There are so many opportunities to improve energy, water, and waste efficiency in hotels, you just need to figure out where to start, but as we’ve established, you mustn’t leave it too late. In order to ultimately stay at the forefront of a guest’s mind, you need to ensure you’re keeping up with the demands of the industry and, as consumers pine for a positive and healthy future, making conscious decisions is the way to do this.
Down the aisle in style
Whether or not you offer wedding packages already as a part of your repertoire, we are looking into how introducing them could place you in an entirely different category in the eyes of a consumer. This means reaching broader audiences and getting the most out of your offerings.
The venue. Undoubtedly one of the most important aspects of any wedding day.
When searching for ‘the one’, hotels are an extremely appealing choice for a consumer. Not only do they often have licensed spaces for a ceremony, they provide stunning backdrops for sentimental photos, they’re experienced in hosting events on a grand scale and guests don’t have to worry about finding their way home as there will be an array of beds on site for those who want to stay the night… bonus.
We believe it’s the offering of beautiful bedrooms with comfortable beds that really set hotel wedding venues apart from what else is on the market. For the couple in question and their friends and family, opting for a wedding at an overnight venue allows them to extend the celebrations for an extra day or two. You may even have extra features on site such as a spa or a quality restaurant which already makes you top of the hit-list for a first-class venue.
Yishay Malkov, Chief Executive Office of Coppa Club, sees that due to hotels being a perfect wedding venue because of the added benefit of accommodation on-site, this contributes hugely to the boosted footfall and revenue of a business.
Yishay said: “While giving the couple the wedding day of their dreams, weddings are an excellent ‘showcase’ to introduce future customers to the property. Wedding guests can be from all over the country, sometimes the world – which opens up the property to new customer bases in the future.
“Guests will take a big portion of the accommodation, sometimes multiple nights, resulting in breakfasts and dinners being booked, increasing revenue in the restaurant around the wedding date.”
With that being said, combining the long lasting celebrations of a wedding, of course, makes them costly events. Hotels offering a range of packages at different price points could help to appeal to a wider audience and Yishay agrees:
“Different packages are important, but the key is flexibility, the pandemic has highlighted the importance of this more than ever.
“Weddings are not ‘one size fits all’, and we aim to understand the needs of the couple and give them the best experience we can by working closely with them on this journey.”
Ensuring your venue is present across the leading wedding platforms – such as Hitched, Bridebook, Guides for Brides - in the opinion of Yishay, is crucial in driving traffic to your wedding packages: “Organising bi-annual wedding showcases alongside regional publications to promote your offerings to a wider, local audience is also important for attracting a wider range of people.
“Finally digital marketing tactics, such as promoting the property via seasonal and targeted PPC, SEO and social advertisements. This is especially key during the peak engagement season (Dec-Mar) and during the summer months.” Added Yishay.
Before introducing the wedding aspect to your business, understanding the market, both customer and competition, is important.
The Mitre’s Sales and Marketing Manager, Carolina Smith, agrees that hosting weddings are a great opportunity to showcase your wonderful hotel to a wider audience. The team at The Mitre have found this boosts the footfall and revenue of their business because wedding guests often end up extending their stay, returning to the hotel to stay and dine and enquiring about hosting their own private party or events because they so enjoyed their initial experience at the wedding.
At The Mitre, they offer a range of packages for more intimate weddings (9 to 40 people), as well as bigger weddings (40 to 70 people), at different price points. Each package is tailored depending on the couple’s specific needs on their special day: “We think it is important for couples to be able to make their day bespoke no matter what their budget and we feel this does make The Mitre appeal to a wider audience.” Added Carolina.
The Mitre not only focuses on the wedding celebrations, but also making sure the couple and their guests have a great experience. For example, guests receive complimentary tickets to explore Hampton Court Palace and can book a boat trip upon the River Thames, capitalising upon their riverside location. The Mitre also offers a fabulous wedding package which includes added extras such as a stunning suite for the wedding couple for the night of the wedding and a complimentary overnight stay with dinner for the wedding couple on their first anniversary to name a few. These added ‘experience’ extras are what will make a venue a more attractive choice for couples.
We asked Carolina, from experience, for venues who don’t currently offer weddings, are there any specific features they must have in order to qualify? She answered: “Location, location, location! Our hotel is located in a historical spot right next to Hampton Court Palace and the backdrop of Bushy Park and its herds of deer. The Mitre itself is housed in a Grade II-listed building dating back to 1665, it was originally used as accommodation for guests of King Charles II. The wedding couple can arrive by boat and be dropped off on our lower deck, have arrival drinks and canapés on our main terrace and have a magnificent meal in the Orangery which has glass ceiling and is a unique room with over 120 live plants.”
With the trend of micro-weddings and smaller scaled social events, The Lanesborough, London have benefited from their size as they have had an influx of more residential weddings due to the pandemic.
Antoinette Lettieri, Head of Events at The Lanesborough, sees that packages are an easy way for potential wedding couples to quickly calculate their wedding costs: “Tiering your packages does broaden the reach of potential wedding events, and our range of event spaces, from exclusive hire of our award-winning restaurant to the Grand Ballroom The Belgravia, or some of our smaller event spaces, means we can offer different price points based on which room the event is held in to suit a range of budgets.
“However, while packages are very useful selling tools, they do not allow the client to tailor make their wedding day as they are ‘tied’ to the package. From experience, prospective clients tend to tweak the packages to suit their exact requirements.”
We asked Antoinette, in her opinion, for venues which don’t currently offer weddings, which specific features should they ensure they have in order to qualify, to which she added: “Becoming a licenced venue hugely helps, as a one-stop shop venue for ceremonies and wedding breakfasts is highly sought-after. Offering an on-site wedding specialist to assist with all of your planning needs is also very appealing to prospective clients, to aid them with all of the detailed wedding planning and just be there to mentally ‘hold their hand’.”
When wedding couples are booking a wedding venue, they look for a smooth and seamless experience for themselves, but also for their guests. By being able to offer somewhere to stay, this automatically eliminates a potential woe for the wedding party.
Aureline Thompson, Social Event Sales Manager at Hyatt Regency London - The Churchill, knows that when a venue enters the wedding market, showcasing its event space is the first step. Since it is at the centre of the couple’s celebrations, it must appeal to prospective clients. In terms of marketing your product successfully, Aureline believes that strong photography and a clear message about the versatility of the space will help the couples decide on the suitability of the venue, and potentially encourage them to book a site visit: “Venues should also look at securing key partnerships that will help put the space on couples’ radar and reach out to new audiences. Having a wedding planner on site is also a strong plus, as couples feel that they are in safe hands and that it will take the stress away from all the planning.”
Capitalising on wedding season and peak months is important for hotels, and Aureline notices that London is a highly competitive market: “In order to stand out, venues should highlight their unique selling points and what sets them apart from the competition.
“Whether it be an outdoor space or a unique backdrop for wedding photos, it is the perfect time to shout about it and become the venue of choice for the client. Equally, having a team who is recognised and known to deliver impeccable service is one of the best assets a venue has to set them apart from the competition.”
The average couple spends about half their wedding budget on their venue — and with good reason. For hoteliers, successfully hosting weddings can be a great avenue to drive footfall and revenue for the business due to a number of factors. Firstly, providing guests with accommodation all in one venue adds up to a richer, more sociable experience. Secondly, hotels can offer in-house catering, not only for the wedding day itself, but also for the traditional next-day brunch or lunch, giving both the hosts and the guests a more relaxed and refreshing experience. These considerations also eliminate any potentially complicated logistical considerations for guests.
Lilly Krupa, Lead Events and Sales Executive at Burgh Island, agrees that hosting regular weddings can be a fantastic way to foster relationships and transform wedding parties into returning guests: “If the bride and groom have a truly memorable experience it will ensure that they come back to celebrate their anniversaries. For weddings, Burgh offers exclusive hire of the entire hotel and its private island to give a feeling of sanctuary and luxury laced with romance.”
From Lilly’s perspective, in such a competitive sector it’s vitally important to market your hotel’s assets as effectively as possible to help maximise bookings:
“One of Burgh’s greatest assets is its one-of-a-kind location, secluded on its own tidal island and offering panoramic views of Bigbury-on-Sea and the Jurassic Coastline all year round. We have therefore made sure this is one of the focal points of both our marketing to wedding planners and the weddings we deliver – be proud of what you offer!
“It’s also very important to showcase on the hotel’s website, and in other marketing collateral, the extensive experience you have of both hosting and organising weddings, making sure the material is illustrated with captivating images and glowing testimonials.”
With weddings, hotels have the opportunity to offer a broad variety of added extras. Some can be costed as part of the overall programme while others can be complementary, showcasing the hotel's generosity on the bride and groom’s big day. Extras can range from a ‘signature cocktail’ on the wedding day, spa and beauty treatments, a bottle of chilled champagne in the room and personalised gifts from the hotel to the newlyweds.
Lilly explained: “This is one approach; however, we would also suggest that added extras can be a hindrance. Indeed, at Burgh our weddings are all inclusive, including exclusive hire of the hotel and island, wedding breakfast, rooms, the wedding ceremony, and breakfast the following day. Many establishments require additional payment for chairs, tables, linen, etc. – we simply do not do this and it is a practice that has generated overwhelmingly positive reviews.”
To round off, Lilly added: “Assessing your establishment’s capabilities and suitability to host weddings should be the first consideration. The next priority should be to ensure that all the red tape (licenses, safety procedures, staff training, etc.) have been completed.”
We hope that you feel the experts have lent a hand in ironing out some of the finer details surrounding weddings at your venue. If you’ll excuse the pun, ultimately it all comes down to getting a good reception and we have no doubt that by taking this advice on board, your business will tie the knot with boosted profits by capitalising on wedding season.
Shakespeare Distillery and Billesley Manor Hotel to co-host popular Gin Festival!
Shakespeare Distillery and Billesley Manor Hotel are to co-host the popular Gin Festival on Sunday 17 July from 12noon – 5pm. Having been postponed for the last two years, Shakespeare Distillery is thrilled to be staging the relaxed and fun festival in the 125-year-old Topiary Garden of the newly refurbished Billesley Manor Hotel and Spa.
Guests can enjoy a variety of fantastic craft gins from a selection of gin distilleries, the chef's selection of locally sourced food (purchased separately) and live music. Guests are encouraged to bring their own picnic blanket, chairs, and parasols to sit around the gardens.
Each distillery will operate on a token system to make payments quick and easy. Tokens are £2.50 each with two tokens paying for a 25ml single measure, garnish, and premium mixer, whilst three tokens will purchase either a double-measure G&T or a cocktail. Guests will also be able to purchase their favourite bottle to take home from each distillery stand.
Peter Monks, Director at Shakespeare Distillery said, “After the last two years we are thrilled to be running this popular festival once more. If you love craft gin, beautiful gardens, live music and hopefully plenty of sunshine, this is the perfect chilled summer event for you!”
Laura Murphy, Director of Sales & Marketing at Billesley Manor Hotel said “We are delighted to be hosting this amazing event at Billesley Manor Hotel. It has always been such a successful event and a lovely excuse to get together with friends and family for that long overdue social. We are proud to be working in collaboration with such a prestigious local distillery to bring this event to life. Music, dancing, food, a beautiful backdrop, and gin…what’s not to love?”.
A special Early Bird ticket price of £17.50 is available until 30 April. From 1 May tickets are £20 and all tickets are non-refundable. The price includes a souvenir branded Shakespeare Distillery glass, a gin menu detailing all the flavours & options available, plus a welcome Shakespeare Distillery Gin & Tonic. Tickets are available to book online or by calling the distillery team on 01789 336559. Bedrooms are available from £149 bed and breakfast - please contact Billesley Hotel directly on 01789 279955 to book.
For more information about the event and to book tickets please visit https://shakespearedistillery.com/stratford-gin-festival/
For more information about Billesley Manor please visit www.billesleymanor.com
Hospitality leaders launch auction to raise funds for Ukraine crisis
A collaboration of hospitality industry representatives has created an auction of extraordinary experiences to help raise funds for the DEC Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal.
More than 50 incredible prizes have been donated by hotels and hospitality organisations to Hospitality Auction4Ukraine. Items include a suite and cocktails at The Savoy, a private dining experience for 12 guests at Corrigan’s of Mayfair, and a stay at Claridge’s.
Amongst other lavish items on offer is a Vintage Steam Boat Experience at Henley Regatta, two tickets to the Hurlingham Club Grand Prix Ball, a South of France Classic Car Road Rally as well as a collection of four Glenmorangie Grand Vintage Whiskies and more.
Proceeds will be donated to the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC), which is operating in Ukraine and neighbouring countries to help meet the needs of refugees and displaced people. With four million people expected to be displaced by the Ukrainian crisis, the money raised will provide direct aid to those who need it most.
Hospitality Auction4Ukraine is open to all, not just the hospitality industry, with the opportunity to place bids online. The auction will close at 9pm on 14 April.
Stuart Bowery MI, multi property general manager, JW Marriott Grosvenor House London said: “The launch of Hospitality Auction4Ukraine is a vital step in the hospitality industry’s collective fundraising goal to support the Ukrainian people in their time of need. We are extremely grateful to the businesses that have donated prizes to help us reach this goal.”
Hospitality Auction4Ukraine was launched in conjunction with Lunch4Ukraine, a fundraising event which takes place at JW Marriott Grosvenor House on 5 April. UKHospitality, The Master Innholders, The Caterer, Gold Key Media, Custard Communications, Hospitality Action and the Institute of Hospitality aim to raise £100,000 for the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) Ukraine appeal.
Hospitality Auction4Ukraine is now open for bidding: https://superstars-auctions.com/lunch4ukraine
Resort-based Residences Group appoints new Managing Director and plans for expansion into EMEA and beyond
Simon Jackson has been appointed as Managing Director of IDILIQ Resorts & Hotels part of the IDILIQ Group to head up the Resort-based Residence offering. As Managing Director of IDILIQ Resorts & Hotels, Simon oversees a portfolio of 14 branded resorts in some of the most desired tourist destinations throughout the EMEA region and the USA. IDILIQ Group designs, develops, manages and sells Resort-based Residences.
Simon has held various senior executive and board roles over the last 30 years, including Chief Operating Officer at Macdonald Hotels & Resorts and working for leading global brands in the tourism and hospitality sector such as Airtours PLC & Diamond Resorts International. In his new role, Simon will help create robust operating and commercial structures to prepare the business for major expansion across the EMEA region and beyond. The group also includes IDILIQ Developments which covers the planning, designing, and building of the resorts, IDILIQ Estates is responsible for the sale of these properties with the team’s extensive experience in marketing, sales and rentals and IDILIQ Management operates several non-branded resorts on behalf of third-party owners in Europe.
Simon Jackson says: “With the plans for expansion, we will be focusing on a more personalised guest experience, offering guests variety, value for money and on-demand services. There is an increased desire for more personalised travel experiences and we want to ensure that we stay competitive and ever evolving to not just meet this demand but exceed it. Aside from the high quality of our product and services, our guests truly feel that home away from home experience in all of our residences.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WOucgP9jjX8
IDILIQ’s Resort-based Residences aim to meet the growing travel demand for consumers wanting better flexibility with their trips, especially in the post COVID era. The group has seen the need for being able to work remotely, stay for longer and experience the very best of hotel services while keeping the personal space, comfort and security of their own home. Each residence offers a combination of the finest hotel services and activities, with the space and privacy, and security of a self-catering Resort Residence.
All IDILIQ’s resorts allow guests to enjoy the full offering of residences, which include self-catering accommodation combined with hotel services and facilities that include international restaurants, kids’ clubs, pools and spas. For example, Wyndham Grand Residences Costa del Sol, in-between Malaga and Marbella offers a both luxury and relaxed stay with spacious apartments with 1, 2 or 3-bedrooms with individual pools, expansive sun terraces and the choice of multiple restaurants and facilities.
SpaceInvader designs interior scheme for new-build Tribe hotel in Malta for client Claret Group in partnership with Accor
Leading Manchester-based designers SpaceInvader have created the interiors scheme for a new-build, 9-storey, 95-bed Tribe hotel within Malta’s fast-developing airport city complex for client Claret Group in partnership with Accor. The owners of the Skypark development in Malta, where the hotel will be located, invited bids for one of the sites to become a hotel. The bid by Tribe - the new ‘affordable luxury’ brand from Accor - together with a regional Maltese consortium won the bid and Malta-based architects AP Valletta Ltd have now designed the building envelope, with designers SpaceInvader creating the hotel’s interior concept, having been appointed to the project after working twice already with the Tribe brand on UK hotel concepts for Liverpool and Glasgow.
The new-build hotel will encompass ground and mezzanine floor F&B, co-working spaces and external decking, as well as 95-beds on the 1st to 8th floors, plus a rooftop bar, terrace and pool, offering clear sight of the airport runways. The scope of works within the interiors commission includes the design of all standard and executive bedrooms and corridors, as well as the hotel’s public spaces. Project completion is scheduled for spring 2025.
About Tribe:
Tribe is a new, fast-growing hotel brand from Accor, with three properties from Paris to Perth currently operating and more than 38 hotels in the pipeline offering over 7000 rooms. Geared towards a youthful, contemporary traveller, the brand is ‘a leader in the design-led affordable luxury sector’.
The Interiors Brief & Concept:
The brief for the interiors was to create a vibrant and sociable atmosphere for guests - from the second they enter the hotel. The area of Malta the hotel is located in is young, cool and already known for its F&B - including a lively evening cocktail culture - meaning the hotel has an additional role to play in responding to and staying in keeping with the existing local vibe.
SpaceInvader’s design concept is fun, glamourous and dramatic – in response to this and the building’s architectural concept, with plays on light and dark and the concept of day-to-night transformation. The overall concept was inspired by the idea of a Zoetrope.
‘The Zoetrope was an early form of animation technology’ John Williams, Founder of SpaceInvader explained, ‘offering fast-moving contrasts from black to white or light to dark. It most often took the form of a cylinder with vertical slits cut into the sides. We have expanded on the concept to design an interior that captures constant movement in a fixed space, reflecting the nature and situation of the hotel as a robust and monolithic building made of local stone, but surrounded at all times by the fast-paced movement of the airport and a sense of travel, transformation and possibility. The Zoetrope additionally references the spirit of theatre and performance, as theatre has traditionally been such a major part of Maltese cultural life.’
The concept’s applications will find form in myriad ways, from art installations by local artists to interiors elements such as panels that allow slivers of light and movement to be glimpsed through the gaps. The concept will also be expressed in the scheme’s lighting scheme, which includes a bespoke, supersized bar pendant with moving images projected onto its interior surface. Corridor lighting meanwhile will play with dramatic light-and-dark illusions – perfect for guests to record on Instagram. Effects throughout the hotel will ensure a strong sense of day-to-night transition and a variety of atmospheres making use of colour, art and video projection, which can be customised as required to reflect local events, exhibitions and seasonal festivities.
A key ‘affordable luxury’ element will be the use of local materials, from the hotel’s construction to the inclusion of ceramics. Maltese glassware and ceramics will create decorative, eye-catching moments, nodding to a key Maltese craft and marrying Maltese culture with Tribe’s high-style commitment to contemporary artwork, photography and installations.
The material palette for the interior will make use of contrasting colours, bold prints and tactile textures, sitting proudly on a balanced neutral base of Maltese limestone. Surfaces of Maltese terrazzo and hammered gold will refer to Maltese crafts and architecture, whilst marble and brass finishes add notes of an affordable luxury aesthetic with added Zoetrope lines ensuring fun graphical concept features. Furniture will include bold monolithic forms to chime with Maltese architecture, together with the fun element synonymous with the Tribe brand. Punchy and playful, contrasting linear and fluid forms will be mixed with Zoetrope concept detailing, whilst film-inspired lighting will feature brass and gold elements for added luxury.
Interior Spaces:
The ground floor of the hotel includes the entrance area, where intrigue and anticipation is built through art, feature lighting and Tribe branding. A focal point bar follows immediately, including a hanging installation of projected video art creating movement across a static structure, with the feature also visible from the mezzanine level above, connecting the two spaces. The video art will change on a day-to-night basis and can also be customisable for special events. Reception, retail and the lift lobby follow with a dedicated retail display area for guests to buy into and check out with Tribe’s affordable luxury items. Four further zones on the ground floor include a communal lounge, becoming an ambient space at night offering signature cocktails; a grab’n’go F&B area; a private dining table for ten and an ‘eat, work and play’ quiet space for solo or co-working or for guests to take a quick call or grab a coffee. The first floor mezzanine level includes additional business meeting, co-working and lounge spaces, available for use by residents as well as those working in the wider Skypark development.
Dark corridor spaces with floor and ceiling spotlighting cast light and shadow paths, creating a transient lighting effect inspired by the Zoetrope. The hotel’s standard bedrooms will feature bold colour blocking with layered textures and forms for depth and interest. Contrasting black and white patterns within the upholstery and lighting will once again reflect the movement of the Zoetrope, with feature lamps inspired by the film and photography industry. Bathrooms will offer 3D linear feature tile offset with luxury marble vanity, along with block colour tiles. Brass sanitaryware and detailing ensures an elegant luxurious bathroom that reflects Tribe’s bold and vibrant brand. Limestone-inspired tiles celebrate Malta’s local stone and architecture.
The hotel’s executive bedrooms will feature a palette of muted tones, taking influence from the colours of Malta’s Luzzu boats and surrounding Mediterranean hues. Softness and warmth will be added through the use of timber flooring together with warm lighting and luxury detailing. The executive bathrooms feature stunning vanity units in a bold and unique blue marble, together with gold tones, reflecting the Mediterranean Sea, set against Malta’s limestone architecture. Vanity lighting resembles film star dressing rooms, linking to Malta’s rich film industry.
The 9th floor roof terrace is a relaxed space for guests to relax and unwind all day long, with a dedicated rooftop bar F&B offer. The bar will reflect the ground floor as another central hub of activity - a daytime touchpoint area for light food and beverages that comes to life at night as a bar destination offering signature cocktails.
A sense of arrival will be created via bold feature corridor lighting, reflective of the Zoetrope, with glimpses through to the roof top pool to entice visitors and build intrigue. A softer lounge seating area will provide an intimate setting for guests to get comfortable and enjoy the views over Skypark and the airport runways. A feature mirror wall will also reflect the sunset from the south-west of the hotel, allowing the guests to be static, but enjoy the surrounding drama to the max – so that they themselves become the essence of the Zoetrope!
IHIF 2022 to offer vital insights on the changing hotel investment landscape
Industry-leading experts at this year’s International Hospitality Investment Forum (IHIF) are set to tackle the burning issues currently impacting hotel investors – from growing inflationary concerns, to environmental and social governance (ESG) – when the event returns to Berlin on 3-5 May.
According to the latest Hospitality Investor Sentiment Assessment (Q4 2021), inflationary pressures have replaced labour as one of the biggest challenges the hotel sector expects to face in the next 12 months.
The area rose to second place in the report, recently published by Hospitality Insights and ABP Invest, sitting behind ‘economic slowdown’ as the number one challenge facing the industry.
IHIF will ensure hotel investors are equipped with the insight and knowledge required to navigate the current and future hotel investment landscape through a host of dynamic discussions.
They include Connecting you to the Capital: The new investment landscape where Luc Boschmans of Tristan Capital Partners and Lily Wecker of Zetland Capital will discuss how investors are raising and spending their cash and what this means for the hospitality investment landscape.
Looking at new stakeholders - from investors and brands to third party operators and lenders and how they all work together to add value to the market – is the focus in All change: Remodelling the hospitality investment landscape with Robert Mangan of Bain Capital, David Kellett of Invesco and Hilton’s president of Europe, Middle East & Africa Simon Vincent.
‘Hospitality Investment with Purpose’ will also take centre stage at this year’s forum, with a session moderated by moderated by Gilda Perez-Alvarado, JLL exploring how ESG is now a key requirement.
ESG is a hot topic right now and one that will be a focus at IHIF. The Hospitality Investor Sentiment Assessment revealed that 72% of investors have a strategy in place to ensure their operators are addressing issues of environmental sustainability and social responsibility, with a further 21% saying they plan to implement one soon.
In the panel discussion titled: Deep Dive: KPIs for ESG in hospitality investment Catherine Dolton, Chief Sustainability Officer and Vice President, Global Corporate Responsibility, IHG Xenia Zi Hohenlohe, Chief Executive, Considerate Group, will provide insight in this area, including which KPIs you should follow through to how you can be taxonomy compliant.
While the vast majority of buying interest continues to be for hotels, resorts are continuing to provide an attractive investment opportunity for 2022, especially in Europe, Americas and the Middle East, according to the investor sentiment report.
Tapping into this emerging area will be Andreas Locher, Head of Investment Management Hospitality at Union Investment, who will moderate the panel session Investing in Resorts with input from Javier Arus, Senior Partner, Azora and Camil Yazbeck, Senior Vice President, Head of Development Northern Europe, Accor.
Organised by Questex Hospitality Group, IHIF is the leading event in the global hotel industry calendar, attracting senior leaders and top brands from over 80 countries, including global investors, asset managers and leading hoteliers.
With a core focus on people, planet and profit, this year’s programme will feature 180 world class speakers across three days of thought-provoking content in Berlin.
Alexi Khajavi, Group President, Questex Travel and Hospitality, said: “There has been a seismic shift in the hospitality investment landscape over the last few years. Everything has changed, including the way stakeholders do business and customer and staff expectations. There has therefore never been a more important time for investors to come together with the wider industry to gain information and discuss how we all move towards future success.”
For more information and to register for IHIF (3-5 May 2022) visit www.ihif.com.
RBH shares key considerations for first-time hotel investors
Following a record low for the hospitality industry in 2020 and a mixed 2021 amidst the yo-yoing regulations, demand is finally on the rise, driving an increase in the number of hotel assets coming to market. This is supported by a huge wall of capital keen to invest in the sector amid £4.14 billion worth of UK hotel investment in 2021 – an 84.3% increase on 2020 volumes, according to Savills’ recent report.
With 34% of last year’s UK hotel investments being made in Q4 alone, now could be the opportune time for investors. But, even for those with years of investment experience in other industries, understanding the hotel landscape can be a completely different ball game – particularly in a time of market recovery and a backdrop of high inflation. Andrew Robb, RBH Hospitality Management’s Chief Financial Officer has shared his top tips for first-time hotel investors looking to take the leap.
- Get advice
If you are new to investing in hotels, there are plenty of companies with decades of experience under their belt who have meticulously scrutinised the peaks and troughs of property and hospitality trends over the years. An essential starting point is to seek advice from a hospitality management company as well as advisory or brokerage companies such as Deloitte, PWC, CBRE, JLL, Christie & Co, Colliers or Savills, all of which have dedicated teams of hotel specialists.
- Choose the right location
There is no such thing as too much thorough research when it comes to choosing the right location for your hotel investment. Understanding demand generators is critical for the success of a hotel’s performance, however, more fundamentally, the location significantly drives the risk profile of the investment and determines how exposed the hotel is to future supply growth in a given market.
- Understand the business
Undertaking an extensive audit of your customer base is essential. Who are your customers and what drives the hotel? Is it predominantly driven by transient leisure guests, conference business, local corporate accounts or private events? Be wary of formulating trends and assumptions based on hotel specific or market data from the past few years alone, as this shows a huge anomaly compared with historical data. What happened in the past may or may not happen again in a given market, in both a negative or positive way.
- Be clear on your appetite for risk
All investments come with an element of risk, and in hotels, the service level and location often go a long way to determining it. Thorough scenario-planning must be a core part of the decision-making process to weigh up the possible outcomes and accompanying risk, both downside risks and opportunities.
- Understand the corporate structure you require
Often, inexperienced hotel investors do not fully understand the corporate structures in place and expect a lease structure in the same way as retail and offices would work, but this is likely to yield a much lower return and is not readily available beyond Premier Inn and Travelodge. Higher returns can be generated by trading the hotel, engaging third party management expertise.
- Choose your operating partner wisely
Whilst an obvious point for RBH to promote, it is vital that an investor understands what they are getting when they contract with an operating partner. The number of competitor management companies has increased significantly in the last few years, however, when you compare management companies, know that you are not comparing apples with apples and the strength and depth, track record or simply whether they provide their service via in-house resource (on their payroll) or by outsourcing to third parties (as a hotel cost) is crucial to understanding commercially what you are getting.
- Consider branding
Although not suitable in all circumstances, the addition of an international brand from Accor, Hilton, IHG or Marriott can add huge value, de-risk the investment and also assist with securing debt. You walk into an existing customer base, expectations, and reputation of a respected brand. Even where an asset you are acquiring is currently unbranded, or where the initial business plan is to trade without a brand, you should always consider whether a brand would be an option for your hotel during the investment life cycle as this will help to underwrite the investment and provide downside protection.
- Have your exit strategy planned upfront
It is important to know when or if you plan to sell the hotel as this will drive the business plan and investment decisions. If you are in for the long-term then branding or other capital spend may make more sense, versus a shorter-term outlook where the payback may be less obvious. In all circumstances consider and don’t underestimate the added value of being able to sell your hotel with vacant possession.
Kimpton Clocktower Celebrate Mother’s Day with the perfect gift
Kimpton Clocktower Hotel is delighted to present a collection of gift ideas to celebrate this Mother’s Day with a wide selection of gift vouchers, stay and dine packages that will be the perfect luxury experience and the most special of them all this March.
At Kimpton Clocktower Hotel, you can treat your mum to the From Manchester With Love experience. Explore the magic of Manchester with an overnight stay in one of the hotel’s stylish rooms or suites, as well as a beautiful flower bouquet specially created by their in-house florist Giraffe Flowers, a Gin & Tonic tipple and a sweet delicacy waiting in the room. Plus a £50 credit to spend on in the hotel’s destination restaurant The Refuge, and daily breakfast, From Manchester With Love package is the ultimate getaway.
Fancy an afternoon treat? The Afternoon Tea Package includes three tiers of delights in The Winter Garden. Settle into a velvet chair in the leafy heart of Kimpton Clocktower Hotel, and sip on a cup of tea or a refreshing cocktail as you take in the wondrous surroundings. Tuck into punchy pork & kimchi sausage rolls, date & cherry scones and rich Black Forest gateaux. To top it all off, head to your glamorous room or suite for a chilled evening before enjoying an indulgent breakfast the following morning.
If you’re planning to celebrate with the whole family, you can book the Family Moments experience to enjoy a family room with breakfast for all, a children’s gift bag and 2,000 IHG Rewards Club bonus points automatically deposited into your account.
To book and explore Kimpton Clocktower Hotel’s luxurious packages, please head here: www.kimptonclocktowerhotel.com/hotel-deals
Attractive gift voucher options are also available here to indulge mum with an unforgettable experience this Mother’s Day. Gifts include Monetary Gift Voucher from £50 up to £500, which is redeemable for a stay at Kimpton Clocktower Hotel and a dining experience at The Refuge. All gift certificates can be delivered online or through the post (T&Cs apply).
On Sundays, The Refuge is all about the roast – so guests can treat mum with one of the best roasts in the city. Spend top quality time with The Refuge’s signature roast platter for two, piled with grass-fed rump of Lancashire beef, half a roast Cumbrian chicken, rare breed pork loin and all the trimmings. See the full menu here.
Check out the latest cultural programme at Kimpton Clocktower Hotel in collaboration with British Culture Archive presenting ‘A Woman’s Work’ exhibition, displaying the work of prominent photographers Tish Murtha and Anne Worthington. This limited exhibition on the exhibition wall of The Refuge is open to visitors until 30th June and makes for the perfect experience to share with your Mother as it was curated in celebration of International Women’s Day 2022.
Gift your Mother a cocktail fit for royalty and try The Queen's Peach, a delicious combination of Takamaka spiced rum, peach, lime, gomme, mint, Prosecco. Fancy something extra sweet? Try a truly Mancunian Salford Sling; Slingsby rhubarb gin, cherry brandy, Cointreau, pineapple, lemon, lime, grenadine, berries.
Kimpton Clocktower Hotel is a magnificent, terracotta Grade II listed building with a history dating back to 1890, when it first opened as The Refuge Assurance Company headquarters. The grand clock tower at the centre of its striking Victorian architecture is an unmistakable landmark on Manchester’s skyline. Each room, uniquely designed, borrows design inspiration from the spirited and renowned Manchester party and music scene, with vibrant, bespoke textiles designed by Timorous Beasties, which incorporate the iconic Manchester worker bee and bold contemporary graphic prints adorning the walls.