Mark Lewis

Hospitality Ulster is calling for the Executive to do what is in their power and pass the Barnett consequential funding created by the permanently lower business rates for hospitality businesses in England to their counterparts in Northern Ireland. Reactive Statement from HU on UK Budget 2025 Read more: https://lnkd.in/ePtZTt-p

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Some great listening for your weekend enjoyment! In conversation with Darren Williams at EVOLVI RAIL SYSTEMS LIMITED and Charitha Hettiarachchi from Blue Orchid Hospitality Okay I may be a little biased but the guests are great even if the sound of my voice isn’t for you! Seriously some great insights into the business travel sector from some of our fantastic The BTA partners. Click on the post below to download these and other BTA podcasts. #BusinessTravel #TravelManagement #CorporateTravel #Podcast #YourBTA

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#RiverCruiseNews Uniworld launches European booking incentive to tie in with More4 programme https://lnkd.in/eZjCJCpw via Travel Weekly UK Uniworld Boutique River Cruises Chris Townson Golden Eagle Luxury Trains #luxury #train #cruise #rivercruise #travel

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FabAccommodation in Bristol now gets about 75% of their bookings directly, thanks to automation and a professional website. Fabian was able to: 🔹 Create a professional #directbooking site with ease 🔹 Automate guest communications and bookings 🔹 Reduce dependency on third-party platforms 🔹 Focus on growth, partnerships, and expanding the portfolio Direct bookings aren’t just revenue, they give operators freedom and flexibility. Check out Fabian’s success story here: https://hubs.la/Q046QN_Q0 #azeevoustory #STR #airbnbbusiness

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VisitBritain Boosts Global Appeal with Bold Moves at Riviera Maya Trade Mission In September 2025, a significant initiative aimed at bolstering the United Kingdom’s tourism sector will take place in Riviera Maya, Mexico. Running from September 10 to September 14, this major trade mission, named ‘Destination Britain Americas’, will bring together key tourism suppliers from the UK with prominent buyers from Canada, Brazil, and the USA. The primary objective of this mission is to elevate the UK’s status as a premier travel destination and strengthen business connections, which in turn will foster the long-term growth of the UK’s tourism industry. https://lnkd.in/gxturYeM #VisitBritain #Boosts #GlobalAppeal #BoldMoves #RivieraMaya #TradeMission #UnitedKingdom #tourism #Sector #DestinationBritianAmerica #buyers #Canada #Brazil #USA #business #connections #travel #traveling #traveladvisor #travelindustry #travelagent TraveLICE TraveLICE Customercare

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DMC Operational Software - always a hot topic! A few of the Travel Kinship DMC members have been sharing their experiences of researching and using different DMC Operational software tools in the hope of finding that perfect solution.... Here are a few thoughts from me on the subject and I'd love your comments. - DMC operational software is completely different to "itinerary building" software and a DMC needs to make that distinction quickly - Software built originally for "outbound tour operators" normally does not have the deep functionality a DMC (inbound operator) requires so find out where the idea for the software originated from - Ultimately no system is going to be perfect - even when you build it yourself (which is what we did in Viaventure DMC) - Being clear on the key top (3-5) things that are most important and non-negotiable is essential - then also seeing what functionality could be achieved by other systems/software that can perhaps be linked with API and other technology. Really dig into your requirements: Where do you currently: - waste most time - across all departments: sales, (field and office) operations, accounts, supplier management, product development etc? - (& your suppliers) make most mistakes? - not show your expertise well enough to buyers? - not offer a standard service to buyers across all your sales team? - have bottlenecks & frustrations? Ask your buyer clients what their pain points are and what they wish you would do better / differently. Also think about what best suits your business at the stage and size and available resources that you currently are. Think about the implementation stage as well as the software itself. Bringing operational software into a fully functioning DMC can be extremely painful and time and resources consuming. Some systems are so complicated and cumbersome that I see DMCs invest so much time and money and then give up in the implementation phase. Also - remember that the minute you invest in something it begins to be out of date so there is never a perfect answer or a "right" answer to this issue. It's what fits best right now. Remember that a recommendation from another DMC is helpful but that doesnt mean it is right for you and your unique set of circumstances , products and way of working. Having said all that - implementing DMC Operational software is essential to an efficient and effective DMC to increase productivity and profitability and customer delight. The earlier you invest in this for your DMC the faster you will grow. Even if your DMC Operational Software never feel quite perfect - it is always better than not having any system at all :) Food for thought I hope. #DMC #travelsoftware #systems #salesteam #operationalsoftware #customersatisfaction #travel #supplychain #operations

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Sometimes in hotel sales, the challenges I see aren’t about big strategy changes at all. They are usually about the day-to-day reality of working in a busy hotel. Follow-ups get delayed because something operational comes up and feels more urgent. Enquiries sit in the inbox a little longer than planned. Accounts tick along in the background without anyone having the chance to properly check in on the customer. All of this is completely understandable! Hotels are fast-moving environments and priorities can shift by the hour. What I have learned is this, most teams already know what needs to happen. But most of the time the difficulty is creating enough time and space to actually do it. Sometimes that simply means blocking 30 minutes for follow-ups, reviewing any open enquiries before diving into new ones, choosing three priority accounts for the week or protecting one diary slot for proactive outreach. It doesn’t need to be a dramatic overhaul. More often than not, a little more structure and a clearer sense of priority is enough to stop things quietly drifting off track. #salesmanager #hotelsales #salessupport #salesconsultancy

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HOW TO ACQUIRE MARKETING STAFF FOR FREE My previous post suggesting that not every luxury hotel needs a story, as long as it offers a strong experience, generated a great deal of reaction, both publicly and through private messages. One message began: “I still believe thread counts and butler service are out, and storytelling is the key to differentiating one luxury hotel from another.” I read this in my room on the 19th floor of what is probably the best hotel in western Japan. The hotel had exceeded my expectations, and I was extremely satisfied with my stay. And yet, I had no interest in its story even if it followed me everywhere: brochures, strategically placed books, even a commercial that played when I turned on the television while trying to navigate to BBC News. However exquisite the hotel was, there was no hiding the fact that it is a two-year-old property in a skyscraper, designed by well-known architects and interior designers. How could it possibly have a story beyond design, materials, and execution? Anything more would have felt fictional, or simply dressed-up information. On the other hand, there are many hotels that do have stories to tell, and should tell them. Some of my favorite hotels in the world fall squarely into this category: La Mamounia Marrakech and Royal Mansour Marrakech in Morocco, Passalacqua on Lake Como, Hotel de Russie, a Rocco Forte hotel in Rome, Finca Cortesin in Spain, Le Bristol Paris, The Peninsula Hotels Istanbul, and all the hotels of Liz Biden in South Africa, among others. And yes, even my own small LA ESPERANZA Granada in Andalucía has a compelling story to tell. There is nothing wrong with not having a story, as long as guests genuinely enjoy themselves. I certainly did. Because guests who are given enough space to love the hotels they are in end up creating their own stories, and they share them organically. During my stay, I sent messages and photos to more than twenty frequent travelers like myself, telling them how the hotel had exceeded my expectations. I have little doubt many of them will book this hotel one day. Inadvertently, I became an unofficial marketing agent for the hotel; and in many ways I even paid for the privilege, having booked a higher-category room with breakfast and purchased products from the spa. So yes, sometimes hotels should tell their stories. And other times, they should allow guests to tell theirs. In the old days, we simply called the former “marketing” and the latter “word of mouth.” #luxuryhotel #luxuryhospitality #luxurytravel

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David spotted this great article with 8 strategies to drive more high value bookings. Have a read and let us know what you're doing differently in today's market.

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“Most Hotels Think They’re Doing Marketing” Posting your own photos on Instagram or TikTok isn’t marketing — it’s noise. We build systems that turn your DMs into bookings, automating how your hotel attracts, engages, and converts new guests directly through social. Most hotels think they’re doing marketing. They’re not — they’re just posting. There’s a difference between activity and strategy. Posting pretty pictures won’t fill rooms, bars, or event spaces. Real hotel marketing is data-driven storytelling knowing where attention is, how to automate engagement, and how to turn curiosity into bookings. That’s what we build at Creation Bureau and Hospitality Marketing Agency — cinematic storytelling backed by AI and content systems that actually move the needle. → If your hotel’s content isn’t bringing in measurable revenue, we should talk. #hotelmarketing #hospitalitymarketing #digitalmarketing #marketingagency

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My latest report for PhocusWire looks at a reported steep drop-off in hotel OTA distribution seen so far this year. Experts weigh in with a range of scenarios: Is this simply the European market cooling? Is the rise of "alternative accommodation" supply diluting demand? Could the European Union's Digital Markets Act (DMA) finally be starting to impact pricing strategies? Link in comments.

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Proud to see our CEO, Michele Fitzpatrick, featured in Hotel Owner ... offering a clear-eyed view into the operational realities of the UK hospitality sector. Her message hits home: this isn’t about growing fast, it’s about growing smart. From leaner operations to embracing automation and design-led guest experiences, independent operators are proving that agility and authenticity are the real differentiators. Well worth a read for anyone navigating the road ahead. Read the full article here https://bit.ly/3ZPA3ba #LeadershipInHospitality #SmartGrowth #IndependentHotels #eviivo

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𝗔𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝘆𝗲𝗮𝗿, 𝗵𝗼𝘁𝗲𝗹𝘀 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝘁𝗼𝗼 𝗺𝘂𝗰𝗵 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗶𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗼 𝗢𝗧𝗔𝘀 We’ve put together a clear, practical guide for hotels looking to take back control of their bookings and reduce OTA reliance. From technical SEO and structured content to smart messaging and rate comparison tools these 9 tactics are proven to shift the balance back to direct. Because growing direct isn’t just a channel shift. It’s a growth strategy. 👇 See the full infographic and find out where your hotel could be missing out.

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𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞𝐧’𝐭 𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐩𝐩𝐞𝐝 𝐟𝐥𝐲𝐢𝐧𝐠 ✈️—𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐲’𝐯𝐞 𝐣𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐢𝐫 𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐳𝐨𝐧𝐞. With Accor seeing a 25% drop in U.S. visitors, this isn’t about fewer travelers—it’s simply about where their planes are now touching down. As always, the opportunity is there. It comes down to the age-old truth: "𝐆𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐩𝐞𝐨𝐩𝐥𝐞 𝐰𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐲 𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐭." And right now, what they want isn’t less travel—it’s different destinations. Canada, the Caribbean, Europe, and the UK are now in the spotlight. These travelers aren’t staying home—they’re actively looking elsewhere for the experiences they crave. It’s an open runway for destinations and brands ready to respond with: • Tailored offerings • Seamless accessibility • Bold, timely marketing People aren't traveling less. They’re just choosing new places to go. #Canada #Travel #Caribbean #Europe #Vacation #GOJETAWAY

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📣📣📣Great news for the trade ✨ More UK flights to Sri Lanka — including British Airways — making this incredible destination easier to sell than ever. 🇱🇰 Together, S H Travel Representation UK and our exclusive DMC global partner Jetwing Travels, we look forward to supporting our valued trade partners with inspiring itineraries, authentic experiences, and exclusive special rates across this truly stunning destination. Even more exciting is the continued growth in air connectivity from the UK. With multiple weekly services between London and Colombo — including options with #BritishAirways alongside other key carriers — #SriLanka is more accessible than ever for UK travellers. ✈️ From pristine beaches to lush tea plantations and rich cultural heritage, Sri Lanka offers something for every traveller — and with Jetwing Travels, we’re ready to bring these journeys to life. We can’t wait to collaborate with you all and create unforgettable experiences for your clients. Info@shtravelrepresentation.co.uk #SriLanka #TravelTrade #DMC #UKRep #Partnership #LuxuryTravel #JetwingTravels #SHTravelRepresentation

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Hospitality needs our support yes, but it also needs the support of government, desperately. We have been saying for years that the industry is unrepresented and remains largely unheard. Caitlin Allwood has written a great short article on the suggested tightening of immigration laws and how it will further beat down on an already hurting hospitality industry. #hospitality #news #blog

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