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  UK Unemployment Expected to Climb to 5% as Labour Market Weakens

  Tuesday, August 26, 2025

  The UK’s unemployment rate is forecast to rise to 5% in the three months to August, up from 4.7% in the previous quarter, according to new analysis from economic think-tanks. The figures mark the sharpest labour market softening since the pandemic, signalling challenges ahead for both policymakers and businesses.

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  UK hospitality on the up: jobs swell to 3.5 million, racing ahead of wider economic growth

  Monday, August 4, 2025

  Tourism across the UK has been steadily rebounding since the pandemic. Some 41.2 million people visited in 2024, and forecasts for 2025 point to a 5 per cent increase, taking the total to 43.4 million. As arrivals rise, how travellers choose to spend their money is changing.
  
  Visitors are increasingly drawn to experiences centred on wellness, sustainability and local culture rather than splashing out on the usual commercial fare. This shift is nudging them towards different locations and activities, prompting tourism providers to adapt. Although more people are coming, the cash being spent is not rising at the same clip, hinting at an uneven recovery when both spend and visitor numbers are considered.

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  More Brits ditch long-haul holidays for greener breaks at home

  Wednesday, July 30, 2025

  Sustainable travel isn’t just a passing trend in the UK—it’s reshaping how holidays are planned, where people go, and what experiences matter most. With the ecotourism market projected to double in value over the next decade, reaching over US$26 billion by 2035 (around £20 billion), it’s clear that more Britons are looking for meaningful, nature-rich breaks that won’t cost the earth.
  
  Several key factors are fuelling this shift. First, heightened awareness of climate change and biodiversity loss has made travellers more selective. A growing number now prefer destinations that prioritise conservation and minimise environmental impact. Government policies have helped, too. Support for carbon reduction, eco-certifications and green tourism has created new opportunities for businesses and destinations across the country.

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  Scotland’s marine tourism sector expands as sustainability boosts growth and demand

  Monday, July 28, 2025

  Marine tourism in Scotland has taken a significant step forward in 2025, with new figures showing visitor numbers and spending are both on the up. A study by British Marine, in partnership with VisitScotland, revealed that spending in the sector has risen by 30 per cent since 2023. Visitor numbers have also climbed by 25 per cent, reflecting a clear trend towards coastal and water-based holidays.
  
  This steady rise has been linked to a blend of improved marketing, a broader range of activities, and a growing appetite for breaks that celebrate nature, culture and the sea. Scotland’s long and varied coastline, from the west coast and the Hebrides to the east and Northern Isles, has become even more appealing to those looking for a breather from city life.

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  UK hospitality sector grapples with acute staffing crisis as vacancies soar

  Monday, July 28, 2025

  The UK’s hospitality sector has shed more than 124,000 members of staff in just one year. Many of these workers have left for good, either moving into other industries or heading back to their home countries. The fall in staffing levels isn’t merely a temporary blip; it has become a serious long-term issue that restaurants, hotels and cafés are now grappling with day in, day out.

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  Spanish hospitality brand Líbere makes strategic UK debut with boutique hotel in Paddington

  Monday, June 16, 2025

  In a bold move that signals the growing international ambitions of European hospitality operators, Spanish brand Líbere Hospitality Group (LHG) has launched its first UK property in London’s Paddington district.
  
  The debut reflects not only a geographic expansion but a timely response to shifting market demands in the UK’s evolving hospitality landscape. As travellers increasingly seek out design-led spaces with digital convenience, Líbere’s entry comes at a moment of transformation and opportunity.

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  UK hotel sector enjoys robust rebound as economic headwinds test long-term resilience

  Friday, June 13, 2025

  In early 2025, the UK hotel industry hit a notable milestone. National occupancy rates rose to 80.5% in January, underscoring the post-pandemic bounce-back. London fared even better, reaching 85.1%—its best figure since 2019. The uplift stems largely from pre-Christmas city-breakers and busier airports, fuelling demand across towns and regions alike.
  
  The momentum is being driven by a surge in short city breaks, staycations and a renewed confidence in corporate travel. According to the RSM Consumer Outlook, sentiment remained upbeat in the first quarter, though many households still kept a close eye on the purse strings.
  
  Despite the extra heads on beds, room rates have also been edging up. Between November 2024 and January 2025 the average nightly rate increased 2.4%, from £148.46 to £152.12. Inflation and heftier running costs have pushed tariffs to almost double their pre-Covid level—a trend the Bank of England is monitoring closely for its wider economic knock-ons.

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  New trial helps UK hospitality sector slash emissions by 2,700 tonnes

  Wednesday, June 4, 2025

  More than 600 small and medium-sized enterprises in the hospitality trade are signing up to a new trial aimed at trimming energy bills and cutting carbon. Backed by £350,000 of UK Government funding, the programme will run from May 2025 until March 2026 and is expected to save participating firms more than £3 million whilst avoiding roughly 2,700 tonnes of CO₂.
  
  
  The trial is being led by Zero Carbon Services, a consultancy that supports businesses in shrinking their environmental footprint. Under the scheme, companies will receive free assistance with managing their energy use, including site visits, energy audits and advisory calls from carbon-reduction specialists. Each business will benefit from about seven hours of support every month.

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  hospitality and tourism grapple with workforce shortages as demand soars

  Thursday, March 27, 2025

  The UK's hospitality and tourism industries are facing a labour crisis, severely impacting hotels, restaurants, and leisure venues, especially post-COVID-19. With fewer skilled and entry-level workers, businesses are struggling, leading to higher costs, staff strain, and reduced hours or services.
  
  Traditionally, the sector relied on both local and foreign workers for roles like chefs, bartenders, housekeepers, and servers, which pay £10.50–£14.00 per hour. However, hiring has become increasingly difficult, leaving many establishments understaffed.

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  Penally Abbey named the best hotel near Tenby in The Times' 100 Best Places to Stay in the UK 2025

  Tuesday, March 18, 2025

  What sets Penally Abbey apart as one of the best hotels in Wales? Named in The Times' 100 Best Places to Stay in the UK 2025, this Pembrokeshire retreat has been recognised as the top hotel near Tenby. This annual list assesses hotels based on design, facilities, value for money, dining, and service, offering a guide to standout destinations nationwide.
  
  A well-known landmark to those who know the area, Penally Abbey is set in a late-Georgian rectory with uninterrupted views over the coastline. Since 2014, it has been run by Melanie and Lucas Boissevain, who have shaped it into a hotel known for its warm atmosphere and carefully curated interiors. The communal spaces feature striking, characterful decor, while the guest rooms adopt a more muted, coastal-inspired aesthetic, striking a balance between elegance and comfort.