Author: News Team
Knight Frank reintroduces the Birch Cheshunt hotel, a historic site, for sale almost a year after administration.Set in a sprawling 55-acre estate, the property includes a 140-bedroom hotel and potential for repurposing.The estate, with a guide price of £12.5 million, offers expansive renovations with room for redevelopment.The hotel, once revamped as Birch Cheshunt, closed in 2023 due to financial constraints.Potential buyers are presented with a unique opportunity to acquire and redefine this premium asset.Knight Frank has announced the remarketing of the former Birch Cheshunt hotel and its 55-acre estate, a significant move following the property’s entry into administration nearly a…
Resident Hotels is transforming its Sleeperz hotel portfolio into Marriott’s Four Points Flex by Sheraton brand, amid a surge in midscale conversion projects.Resident Hotels comprises four midscale Sleeperz Hotels located in Cardiff, Dundee, Edinburgh, and Newcastle upon Tyne, accumulating over 400 rooms.The strategic acquisition of Sleeperz in November 2022 enabled Resident Hotels to diversify into the midscale hotel segment.The transformation involves refurbishments backed by principal investors, expected to finish by 2025.Key figures highlight the importance of this partnership in fostering brand growth and harnessing extensive distribution networks.Resident Hotels has entered into a franchise agreement with Marriott International to convert its…
The Birch Cheshunt hotel and estate in Hertfordshire is being sold nearly a year after entering administration.Knight Frank is leading the sale of this historic 55-acre property at a guide price of £12.5 million.Previously known as De Vere Theobalds Estate, the hotel was relaunched as Birch Cheshunt in 2020.Financial difficulties led to the closure of the hotel in November 2023, affecting both the Cheshunt and Selsdon properties.The sale presents potential buyers with a redevelopment opportunity, described by Knight Frank as a ‘blank canvas’.The Hertfordshire estate, home to the former Birch Cheshunt hotel, is currently being marketed by Knight Frank almost…
Cruise lines are taking swift action as Hurricane Milton edges closer to Florida. With the storm classified as a category five threat, safety protocols are activated.The storm’s expected landfall has prompted significant itinerary changes and port closures across Florida’s coastline.As Hurricane Milton approaches, cruise lines have taken decisive steps to protect passengers. The National Hurricane Centre has categorised the storm as a category five threat, posing a significant danger to Florida. Many cruise companies, including Carnival and Disney, have adjusted their itineraries to ensure the safety of their passengers, some opting to cancel or delay voyages.Ports across Florida have been…
Emirates has unveiled its first European retail outlet in London’s South Kensington, marking a significant expansion in its customer engagement strategy.With the inauguration of the Emirates World Travel Store, the airline aims to enhance customer experiences through physical interaction, showcasing its premium services.An Innovative Step in Customer EngagementEmirates has introduced its World Travel Store in London, the first of a planned series of 40 global outlets. This strategic move is aimed at providing an immersive brand experience for customers. The outlet features seven counters manned by consultants ready to assist with flights, ticketing, and inquiries.Additionally, the store highlights Emirates’ in-flight…
Greece is gearing up to introduce a sustainability certification scheme for its hotels, marking a significant development in the country’s tourism sector. This initiative will focus on city breaks, the islands, and lesser-known locales, aiming to boost sustainable tourism.The Need for Sustainable TourismSustainability in tourism is increasingly crucial as destinations worldwide grapple with the impact of travel on the environment and local communities. Greece is no exception, recognising that sustainable development is vital. This new certification scheme reflects a global trend towards more eco-friendly hospitality solutions.Eleni Skarveli, UK and Ireland director of the Greek National Tourism Organisation, emphasised sustainability as…
Calvià in Majorca is set to host Abta’s 2025 Travel Convention.The event will occur from October 6 to October 8 at Calvia Beach Resort.Calvià marks its first hosting of this esteemed travel event.Significant investments have enhanced Calvià’s tourism infrastructure.Majorca’s evolving appeal to UK travellers underlines its selection.Calvià in Majorca has been chosen as the prestigious venue for Abta’s 2025 Travel Convention. The event is scheduled from October 6 to October 8 at the newly renovated Calvia Beach Resort. This marks a significant occasion, as Calvià becomes a first-time host for the convention, continuing Majorca’s legacy of welcoming this event each…
Riviera Travel has unveiled its extensive programme for solo travellers in 2026, introducing a wide array of options. The initiative underscores a strategic focus on the emerging solo travel market, catering to diverse preferences and destinations.With 12 dedicated river cruise itineraries and additional long-haul tours, Riviera is set to meet the growing demand for solo travel experiences. This bold move highlights the company’s commitment to providing specially curated experiences tailored for solo adventurers.Expanding Horizons for Solo TravellersRiviera Travel is launching a comprehensive solo traveller programme for 2026, marking its largest offering yet. This ambitious programme is strategically designed to cater…
Explora Journeys is offering travel agents an additional 5% commission for new 2024 bookings, as part of its commitment to valued partners. The incentive applies to bookings made between September 23 and November 18, 2024, for sailings departing by the year’s end.The bonus commission offer covers various itineraries on Explora I and II, including special routes like the Festive Journeys. This strategic move not only rewards agents but also aims to boost customer bookings during the promotional period.Explora Journeys has unveiled an attractive offer for travel agents, providing a 5% bonus commission on new bookings. This incentive is available for…
Cruise travel has emerged as a key growth area for travel agencies, offering substantial opportunities for expansion. The industry’s current dynamism reflects a significant shift towards cruise-focused strategies.Agencies like Barrhead travel highlight the importance of embracing this trend, showcasing how dedicated efforts can lead to record-breaking achievements.Cruises constitute more than a third of Barrhead’s total bookings, demonstrating its essential role in the agency’s business model. Key industry figures like Carnival Cruise Line and Celebrity Cruises were highlighted at the recent conference. The engagement in cruise activities is not a small fraction of their operations; it’s central, with extensive ship visits…