Hotel Operations

📝 Inspire My Holiday launched a trade-only website to fill a "gap in the market," facilitating agents to match destinations with client needs. Partnerships include Gold Medal, Riviera Travel, Wendy Wu Tours, Fred Holidays, Windstar Cruises, and Latin Routes. The consumer brand started in September 2019, but the trade platform was always planned. Registration is free, with early sign-ups possibly winning part of a £1,000 prize pot.

✈️ Air connectivity in Europe is 14% down from 2019 levels, with EU connectivity 13% down and non-EU Europe 20% down. The UK's connectivity has decreased by 12%, outperforming Germany's 24% drop, France's 15%, and Heathrow's near full recovery at just 2% down. Turkey's air connectivity increased by 24%, Greece by 22%, and Albania by 55%. Spain is 2% down, while Portugal is up by 4%. Istanbul Airport leads in connectivity, up 9% from 2019, followed by Amsterdam Schiphol and Heathrow. Frankfurt is the top-connected hub globally, despite a 23% decrease from pre-pandemic levels.

📈 New travel jobs in June dropped 20% year-on-year and 26% from June 2023, with a further 2% decrease from the previous month. Candidate searches in the travel industry decreased by 22% in June after a high in May, showing an 11% fall from June 2023. Placements in new travel jobs also fell by 27% monthly and 35% year-on-year. C&M Travel Recruitment attributes the decline to seasonal slowdowns and events like the Euros, Wimbledon, and the Olympics, plus the effect of a general election.

📈 Event management efficiency is critical, and the right software can significantly streamline operations. Key features include: business-rule configurations showing real-time availability to reduce unnecessary inquiries; setting clear opening hours and booking lead times to prevent last-minute chaos; automating repetitive tasks to assist with staff shortages post-COVID-19; integrating with CRM, marketing, and property management systems for seamless data flow; utilizing real-time data and analytics for informed decision-making; and ensuring mobile compatibility for management on the go. These strategies not only save time but can also increase meeting and event sales.

🏨 AI transforms the hospitality industry, enhancing operational efficiency and guest experiences. Hotels leverage AI to automate tasks, provide 24/7 services via chatbots, centralize communications, and analyze data for better decision-making. In summer 2023, a report analyzed over 1.7 million conversations, identifying top guest queries. AI solutions must integrate smoothly with existing systems, scale with demand, and come with robust support for successful implementation.

🍕 In Waco, Texas, The Butcher’s Bar features thousand layer potatoes with crème fraîche and trout roe by Hell’s Kitchen contestants Alejandro Najar and Alyssa Osinga. Noisette in Denver offers chicken wings stuffed with sausage, topped with American sturgeon caviar. Valla Kitchen in New York City presents a som tam with strawberry and guava. Miami’s Lafayette Steakhouse serves octopus with local burrata. The National Bar in Nevada City, Calif., mixes rye, Licor 43, and Cynar for a summer cocktail.

🏠 In Amsterdam, The Social Hub is testing premium rooms designed for a "calming and functional private space," contrasting with communal areas. The year-long design process involved surveys, focus groups, and expert consultancies. Features include a hybrid space, king-size bed, rain shower, and a selection of motivational books. Italy's Rizoma Architetture leads the design with local and international partners. Following the pilot, the design will expand across the brand's portfolio in the coming years.

🍴 The Waterside Inn, a three Michelin-starred restaurant in Berkshire, reported a pre-tax loss of £181,000 for the year ended 31 December 2023, a downturn from the previous year's £814,000 pre-tax profit. Turnover slightly increased from £9.016 million to £9.064 million compared to 2022. Rising staffing, energy, and food costs were cited as the reasons for diminished profitability. The restaurant runs another establishment, Roux at Skindles in Maidenhead, and has implemented a tronc system and improved pay structure to retain staff. Future risks include UK income growth, consumer confidence, staff shortages, operational costs, political events, and currency fluctuations.

🍴 The Forge, part of Hotel Indigo Chester, awarded 2 AA Rosettes for Culinary Excellence in 2023, partners with Aubrey Allen, Royal household suppliers, for its summer menu launch. Aubrey Allen selects the top 4% of British beef cattle, ensuring meat is ethically sourced and naturally produced. The 70-seater restaurant, opened Spring 2021, led by Head Chef Dan Regan, also offers fish, vegan, and vegetarian options. General Manager Scott Rankin highlights Aubrey Allen's 5-time Chef’s Choice Butcher Awards achievement.

🍽 In London, Knightsbridge's Sale e Pepe celebrates its Golden Anniversary by opening its summer terrace for authentic Italian dining. Offering 2-course lunches at £30 and 3-course at £35 with a bi-weekly changing menu, the terrace features chic navy blue décor and Italian white flowers. The menu includes classics like Vitello Milanese, fresh crudo, antipasti, and homemade pastas. Desserts like tableside-scooped Tiramasù are also available. The restaurant is a favorite among celebrities and royalty, maintaining high standards for 50 years.