#EnglishTourismWeek

As this week celebrates all things that are Tourism, I have never been prouder to see the work, energy and effort of my peers as this Industry strives forward since the gloomy start of the twenty-twenties decade.

Through the national work of UKHospitality and many other supporting bodies, we have seen Hospitality jump up the rankings of Economic recognition in this country, a far cry from the decade prior. However, as memory of the pandemic passes, we mustn’t lose sight of what we ultimately missed out on for so much of 2020 and thereafter – there is not one person I’ve met that doesn’t tell me they realised how important a meal, a drink, a social gathering was in our sterling venues up and down the country.

Right here in the Northwest, the active work of local Associations continues to gain momentum and thrives. I’m so proud to be involved in Chester Hospitality Association & Liverpool Hospitality , but likewise also recognise the work of our neighbours Manchester Hoteliers Association .

Collectively our networks are celebrating the excellence of people in our Industries with the production of local Award Ceremonies, with Manchester recently hosting their annual awards with over 600 attendee’s and closely on the 30th March, Liverpool will celebrate its Hospitality Hero’s with over 430 attendees, and I’m pleased to announce that we are securing a similar event in Chester in July with attendees anticipated in the 275 mark. A huge testament to the talent and employers in these regions. These amazing awards recognise those special individuals that make our Industry so great, but likewise collectively these three local Associations will also produce many tens of thousands in pounds for the Industry Charity Hospitality Action and other local charities at the same time.

Following on an exceptional launch over the past two years in Manchester, collectively the three cities will also this year, go on to collectively collaborate with High Schools in an effort to raise awareness of the great career opportunities the industry has to offer. With over 70 Hotel Businesses opening their doors to showcase their employment opportunities and additionally visit local High Schools with their teams to support in class education of running Hospitality businesses – this growing program only but helps educate students, teachers and parents of the great progression the Industry has undergone to show the improved working hours, pay, flexibility and conditions it was previously renowned for not being so positive for. Furthermore, it also gives an understanding of the breadth of roles and talent needed to run some of the most successful Hospitality businesses in the UK.

Whilst much more can be discussed, also this year see’s true collaboration come into fruition, as we see the start of both Liverpool & Manchester launching their cities Accommodation Business Improvement Districts (ABID), with Chester also in early stages of reviewing a possible option of something similar. Both Liverpool & Manchester will raise millions of pounds over the coming years via the hotels through their ABID’s to support in the delivery of maintaining and growing their respective cities destination as key cities to host events, plus continue to market their cities to visitors, tourists and businesses alike in the continued effort to grow their economies and bring in new residents and businesses alike to continue both cities strong decade plus of growth.

The industry is truly special and from starting my career at a Resort on the Gold Coast, Australia ( Destination Gold Coast Business Events ) and remembering their slogan of "Ever Changing, Always Amazing" when trying to attract their audiences at the time (In the Nineteen Nineties) – I feel the UK is embracing Tourism & Hospitality and the future is very bright.

We must remember that Hospitality is all about an experience and people will often forget what you said, they will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel – this Industry can be the door to many a long, successful and rewarding career – let’s not let this message not be felt.