At the Annual General Meeting Gary Atkinson (Carmelite Hotel) has been re-elected as Chair, with Bill Burnett (Holiday Inn, Westhill) and Andrew Martin (Robert Gordon University) as joint vice chairs.
Looking back the last year has been a busy, but productive one. The Hotel Association, while working with partner stakeholders was instrumental in securing a review of the Non Domestic Rates, with a successful 20-30% reduction in new Rateable Values, and successful 12.5% Relief Scheme saving businesses thousands of pounds.
In relation to a proposed Aberdeen Tourism Levy the Hotel Association ensured an early intervention and continued engagement with Aberdeen City Council, along with engagement with the six City Alliance through British Hospitality Association. This kept hotel businesses ahead of the curve on likely future scenarios.
Looking forward, the coming year will share some of the challenges of the last year, but the new team want to keep up the momentum with Gary Atkinson outlining key success areas for the Hotel Association as:
“The 2017/18 Initial Executive Committee Objectives revolve around key Themes:
Greater Member Interaction, Influence and Engagement
The headlines being:
- Continued active relationships with all Industry connected parties
- Support and consolidate our relationship with Regional Tourism Awards
- The national Thistle Awards
- Develop potential with Oil & Gas UK, and closer relationship with Reed (OE19 & beyond, lead the collective 6 Hotels Association with progressive Tourism Levy Activity
- Keeping connected and lobbying on Non Domestic Rates.
Marketing
- Launch and promote the newly created Hotel Association Bed Bank through targeted associations
- Greater enhancement between ASCHA, Oil & Gas UK, Visit Aberdeenshire, Aberdeen Inspired, SMG, Events 365 Board formation & Visit Scotland
- Formulate a coherent Social Media Presence with Visit Aberdeenshire
People and Development
- New Association information pack, member benefits and property plaques
- Drive hospitality interest into schools/colleges
- Further training for Social Media
- Encourage HIT Scotland Bursary’s
- Show case best practice & training sessions from industry disciplines
Charity
You can expect to see Association members out working communities as well as cash collections this year for Diabetes UK.”
Bill Burnett commented, “It’s great to be back, and continue the initiatives we’ve started. I’m excited about newly created Hotel Association Bed Bank, which allows our partners bidding on the region’s behalf for international events to guarantee bed spaces. That’s a powerful negotiating chip we’ve never had before. Joined up thinking and action.”
Andrew Martin commented, “The Hotel Association goes from strength to strength. This is a vote of confidence from members in Gary, Bill, myself and the new executive working with us. We’re now very well connected, and have credibility nationally. The next year will bring greater marketing initiatives with partners, but will also see Hotel General Managers in the Association coming together to learn and develop.
"For me it’s great for the University to be involved with regional tourism leadership, and be delivering impact at this level. It’s great to be working with the best of people, and making a difference for Members, and our region”.