TRENDING
Interstate ’ s Anderson sees quicker bounce in business
David Anderson , who in November 2021 became executive vice president of Interstate Hotels & Resorts , the international management division of Aimbridge Hospitality , is increasingly optimistic due to signs of improving consumer confidence , an occupancy rebound and further COVID-related restrictions being lifted . All of this should lead to an even quicker bounce back in business , he says .
Spurred on by clear indications that people are ready to travel again , Anderson is pressing on with plans to grow Interstate ’ s portfolio across Europe in the next five years . “ We are in a much stronger position and with more certainty than we did in 2021 ,” he says . More recently , Interstate was named manager for England ’ s first Tribe hotel , part of the Accor family , set to open at Manchester Airport in 2023 . Owned by H3 Hotels S . a . r . l , the nine-floor , new-build hotel , which will house 412 rooms and suites as well as four restaurants and bars , a gym and a crew lounge for airline staff , will be located on Manchester Airport ’ s Chicago Avenue .
Interstate was also named manager of the Mercure Newport hotel in Wales . It was signed by owners Garrison Barclay Estates to operate the new hotel this spring in central Newport .
Addressing the turnaround in performance , Anderson says
Interstate has sturdy performance in a number of key markets with Antwerp moving above 80 % occupancy in December , and key UK cities like Newcastle and Birmingham also showing tangible signs of confidence and booking resilience . Interstate also has a significant portfolio in Russia , which was performing well prior to the country ’ s invasion of Ukraine .
“ Despite the challenges of the global pandemic , Interstate saw impressive overall growth last year and that is down to the sheer hard work and dedication of the team , our ability to quickly adapt and source new revenue streams and to provide safe environments and reassurance for customers ,” Anderson says . “ Our dynamic
22 hotelsmag . com June 2022