Partner Article

Hospitality bosses urged to join forces

A NEW partnership is to be formed across the region which aims to help North East hospitality businesses boost visitor numbers, as the fallout from the recession continues to hinder the industry.

The not-for-profit group, The North East Hotels Association (NEHA), will announce details tomorrow of its plans for what it calls a “radical new way of working”.

Aware that the recession and its impact on public finances would dictate the nature of business for the near future the association saw the need for a new approach, the group said.

It has invited hotels, suppliers, visitor attractions, retailers, restaurants, events organisers, transport operators and local authorities to join forces under a new umbrella.

A new trade website enabling networking, research and market intelligence, job vacancies and career opportunities is understood to be part of the plans.

As well as hosting a regional suppliers directory, the partnership site will also support active lobbying for a new regional international conference and exhibition centre.

“If we can improve our rooms’ occupancy by just 5% we will attract an extra 50,000 visitors to our attractions, shops, restaurants and events” said Guy Hilton, joint chair NEHA.

More details on NEHA’s plans will be announced at the Marriott Gosforth Park Hotel tomorrow. See bdaily later this week for more information.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .