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  Tourism in Northern Ireland at risk as UK visa scheme disrupts holiday plans

  Thursday, January 9, 2025

  Northern Ireland's tourism sector faces a threat from the UK's Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) scheme, with concerns it could undo growth since the 1998 Good Friday Agreement. Economy Minister Conor Murphy warned that international tourists may be discouraged from visiting, especially during major events like the Open Championship, potentially impacting UK tourism as a whole.
  
  The ETA requires non-European visitors to obtain authorization before entering the UK, and from April 2, it will extend to European visitors. This post-Brexit immigration reform aims to streamline border controls but raises concerns for Northern Ireland’s tourism and the broader UK hospitality industry.

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  High Street faces jobs crisis amid rising costs and stagnant reforms

  Monday, January 6, 2025

  The UK’s High Street is grappling with a significant employment crisis as over 225,000 retail jobs have vanished in the past five years. The British Retail Consortium (BRC) reports a decline in retail employment from 3.1 million in 2019 to under 2.9 million in 2023. This trend reflects deeper systemic issues, including rising operational costs and outdated tax structures.
  
  Amid these challenges, Rachel Reeves is under mounting pressure to reform the business rates system, which many argue disproportionately penalizes physical stores while benefiting online giants like Amazon. The decline in retail jobs, alongside falling job creation across sectors such as UK hospitality and retail, underscores the urgency for comprehensive policy adjustments.

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  Redefining UK tourism: how the ETA system boosts hospitality

  Monday, January 6, 2025

  Starting January 8, 2025, US citizens will be required to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) to visit the United Kingdom. This new requirement applies to all travelers, including babies and children, who are traveling for tourism, family visits, business meetings, or short-term study (six months or less).
  
  The ETA allows non-visa holders to stay in the UK for up to six months and is valid for two years, permitting multiple entries during that time. However, travellers who hold a UK visa or those who are British or Irish citizens do not need to apply for an ETA.

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  Northern Ireland tourism faces uncertain future amid visa waiver changes

  Monday, January 6, 2025

  The Northern Ireland tourism industry is bracing for a potential downturn as the UK’s full rollout of the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) scheme draws closer. Industry leaders warn that the additional travel requirement could discourage international visitors, leading to a significant economic blow to the region and creating friction in cross-border tourism. The issue has sparked widespread concerns across UK hospitality and tourism sectors, emphasising the need for urgent solutions.

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  Park Hyatt London now open, creating new job opportunities

  Thursday, January 2, 2025

  The Park Hyatt London River Thames has formally opened, providing visitors with an unmatched level of luxury in the bustling Nine Elms neighbourhood of South West London.
  
  This gorgeous property, which is the first Park Hyatt brand to enter the UK market, is well located along the scenic River Thames. Guests can enjoy breathtaking views of London's iconic skyline and easily explore nearby landmarks, such as the London Eye, Westminster Abbey, and the famous Big Ben.

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  Step into success: 2025 honours recognise hospitality leaders shaping careers

  Thursday, January 2, 2025

  Fourteen exceptional hospitality professionals have been honoured for their excellent achievements in the industry in the 2025 New Year's Honours List. These people have left a lasting impression on their respective disciplines thanks to their accomplishments in a variety of areas, including food safety, tourism, entrepreneurship, and humanitarian work.
  
  Notable honorees include leaders in the hospitality and food sectors like Bill Toner, George McIvor, Esther Brittan, and Bee Wilson, among others, who have been lauded for their dedication to excellence and community engagement.

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  Kent: the surprising top choice for family staycations and career opportunities

  Thursday, December 19, 2024

  Kent topped other popular locations as the UK's best place for a family holiday at home, according to a recent Go.Compare study. The county received a remarkable 9.6 out of 10 rating for its extensive selection of family-friendly accommodation options and age-appropriate attractions. It is also a reasonably priced option for families, with hotel costs in the county increasing by only 6% during school holidays.

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  The Fife Arms as Scotland’s crown jewel of luxury and heritage

  Wednesday, December 18, 2024

  Condé Nast annually releases its Gold List, a compilation of the world's most exceptional accommodations. 2025 will mark another notable achievement for The Fife Arms as it solidifies its position among the globe's elite hotels and resorts.
  
  Nestled in the charming village of Braemar within the breathtaking Cairngorms National Park, The Fife Arms stands as a beacon of Scottish luxury and cultural heritage.

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  Budget tax adjustments drive price increases across UK pubs and hotels

  Wednesday, December 18, 2024

  More than 1,550 pubs and bars in the UK will see price increases from Marston's in response to the latest Budget tax announcement. The forthcoming price changes will result in draught beer costing 10p more per pint for pub patrons. In order to represent regional price variations, these price increases will fluctuate by location.
  
  According to Marston's, the price rise is primarily to offset higher costs resulting from the October budget adjustments. The pub group wants to control for the broader economic climate and growing business expenses, including a large rise in employment costs. The company's impressive financial performance was demonstrated when it recently announced a 65% increase in pre-tax profits for the year ending in September 2024.

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  Exciting 2025 roles at Fair Isle Bird Observatory

  Thursday, December 5, 2024

  The repair of the Fair Isle Bird Observatory, which was damaged by fire in 2019, is nearing completion, with intentions to reopen in late spring 2025. This important milestone opens up new job prospects, including positions like Hospitality Manager and Head of Ornithology. These opportunities provide a unique opportunity to contribute to one of the world's most iconic birdwatching destinations whilst also supporting the thriving Fair Isle community.