The Notebook: Sir Rocco Forte on the hated tourist tax, counteracting climate hysteria and Boris Johnson’s legacy June 26, 2023 The Notebook is a column where interesting people say interesting things. Today, it’s hotel industry giant Sir Rocco Forte, chairman of Rocco Forte Hotels My hotels in Italy, Germany and Belgium are booming. But occupancy in London is not what it was last year nor what we saw pre-pandemic. Official statistics bear this out, showing [...]
Harvey Nichols boss warns tourism tax is hurting UK economy May 22, 2023 The boss of Harvey Nichols has warned that the so-called ‘tourism tax,’ created by the scrapping of tax-free shopping in 2021, is having a significant impact on the wider British economy. Chief executive Manju Malhotra told The Times that the tax was affecting not just retailers that benefit from international visitors, but the “entire ecosystem [...]
Top Tory donor says he won’t give Conservative party any more cash April 16, 2023 Top Tory donor and hotel mogul Sir Rocco Forte has said he won’t hand over any more cash to the Conservative Party. Speaking to GB News, the businessman, who founded the world famous Rocco Forte hotel chain, said the party no longer stands for anything he believes in and that he was “not a fan” [...]
Pressure mounts on Sunak over planned six per cent rise in corporation tax February 20, 2023 Prime minister Rishi Sunak is facing down the prospect of a rebellion over next month’s budget as renewed pressure mounts over a planned increase in corporation tax increase. Seven top Tory backbenchers and business owners including Wetherspoons boss Tim Martin have urged Sunak and chancellor Jeremy Hunt to scrap the planned six per cent rise. [...]
Staycation nation: Johnson urges public to take a UK holiday June 23, 2020 Prime Minister Boris Johnson today gave the green light for hotels, B&Bs and campsites in the UK to reopen from 4 July, and urged the public to revitalise the hospitality industry by taking a “staycation” within the UK. In a major easing of social distancing rules, the PM today provided a lifeline for the hospitality [...]
Pubs and restaurants express relief as their lockdown ends June 23, 2020 Hospitality bosses have reacted with cautious optimism after Boris Johnson gave the green light for restaurants and pubs reopening on 4 July. Industry reaction has been largely relieved this afternoon, albeit with warnings that many businesses will still need financial support from the government as they start trading again. The Prime Minister announced this afternoon [...]
More than 200 travel firms call on government to scrap quarantine plan June 1, 2020 More than 200 travel companies have backed a letter to the government calling on it to reconsider its plans to quarantine individuals entering the UK as a precaution against coronavirus. From 8 June, the government has said that all those entering the UK must quarantine for a period of 14 days in one location. The [...]
More than 70 travel bosses sign letter calling for end to quarantine May 28, 2020 More than 70 bosses of travel companies have signed a letter calling on the government to scrap a planned 14-day quarantine for arrivals from overseas. From 8 June travellers arriving from abroad will be asked to quarantine for 14 days or risk paying a £1,000 fine to help stop the spread of coronavirus.. Holiday and [...]
2015 RHS Chelsea Flower Show in bloom with exclusive preview gala celebration May 18, 2015 A select group of Londoners, including several wellknown City figures, got an exclusive sneak peek at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show last night, ahead of its opening today. Attendees at the Charity Gala Preview enjoyed champagne, canapes and music, as well as the chance to rub shoulders with the Queen. The Queen attended yesterday's [...]
Pictures: City’s bigwigs flock to Chelsea Flower Show warm-up bash May 20, 2014 There was nearly more power than flower last night as City grandees and business heavies strolled up the lilac carpet of the Chelsea Flower Show for this year’s preview evening. Insurance heavies Tidjane Thiam of Prudential and Standard Life’s David Nish both rolled up, perhaps giving them a chance to talk risk over the rhododendrons. [...]