BUSINESS NEWS
HELLO WORLD : WELCOMING TOURISTS BACK TO BATH
Following two years of uncertainty and stifled growth caused by the pandemic , businesses across Bath and the South West are getting set for a rise in visitor figures in the coming months .
With new hotels and attractions , investment in the high street and Bath ’ s celebrated status as a film location synonymous with the hit TV series Bridgerton , the hospitality industry is poised and ready for growth .
Kathryn Davis , Director of Tourism , Visit West , said , “ We are positive that the local visitor economy will recover . A popular destination for domestic visitors over the last two years , there is a strong interest in Bath as a place for business events and incentive travel , as well as leisure stays from both the UK and overseas .”
Pre-pandemic , Bath attracted record numbers of international visitors , welcoming 400,000 overseas tourists for the first time in 2019 . The visitor economy in Bath was worth more than £ 458 million in 2019 , a figure which almost halved during 2020 as a result of the pandemic .
One event set to drive growth in 2022 is the return of Bath ’ s Christmas Market which has been ranked in the top ten of European festive markets . Celebrating its 20th anniversary this year , planning is underway to make it extra special .
Opening of stylish Hampton by Hilton
Hampton by Hilton Bath City has officially opened its doors to the public , welcoming tourists , city residents and businesspeople .
Operating as Hampton by Hilton and developed by Dominvs Group , the seven-floor hotel boasts 202 guest rooms , making it the largest hotel in the city . It has a number of facilities open to both residents and locals including a bar , restaurant and 24-hour fitness centre .
Situated on Avon Street , just a short walk from the train station , the hotel is set to be popular with both the lesiure and corporate markets . Each of the light , airy rooms is fully air conditioned , with complimentary Wi-Fi and features ergonomic workstations for those working in the city or mixing business with pleasure .
Construction began on the hotel in September 2019 and was completed by Irish firm McAleer & Rushe . The hotel ’ s design was inspired by the local area , with the building ’ s façade constructed with locally-sourced , sustainable Bath stone to seamlessly blend in with its historic surroundings , offering a modern take on the city ’ s architecture . The hotel ’ s interior is bright and spacious , with rooms featuring large windows and stylish , contemporary décor .
In addition to Hampton by Hilton Bath City , Dominvs Group is also developing two additional hotels as part of its partnership with Hilton , including Lost Property St
Paul ' s London , Curio Collection by Hilton , and Hampton by Hilton London City .
Dominvs Group is a leading privately owned property and investment group based in London with a diverse real estate portfolio that spans hospitality , residential , and purpose-built student accommodation .
Angela Humble , the hotel ’ s General Manager , said , “ We are excited to welcome guests to the opening of this beautiful new hotel . Hampton by Hilton Bath City is set to impress with its modern design , prime location , and excellent amenities . We are so proud to open such a wonderful space in the heart of this historic city , ready for visitors from all over the world to experience .”
Jay Ahluwalia , Principal at developer Dominvs Group , added , “ We ’ re pleased to expand our partnership with Hilton with the opening of this hotel . It serves as a brilliant addition to the city centre , and we could not have done it without the hard work of our partners . The hotel is an ideal destination for visitors to sample everything that Bath has to offer , and we are delighted to make another great addition to our fast-growing portfolio .”
Hampton by Hilton Bath City is also part of Hilton Honors , the award-winning guest-loyalty program for
Hilton ’ s 18 distinct brands . Members who book directly have access to instant benefits , including a flexible payment slider that allows members to choose nearly any combination of points and money to book a stay .
To find out more call 01225 967200 or visit the website .
THE BUSINESS EXCHANGE 2022 5