The pub sector has joined forces behind a new industry initiative to promote staying in pubs as an alternative to hotels.
The second Profitable Beds in Pubs event took place in London this week, with representatives from: the Association of Licensed Multiple Retailers, Guestline, In a Pub and Stay in a Pub hearing from delegates on the growing consumer trend of overnight pub stays.
Speakers highlighted the importance of businesses standing out in an emerging marketplace and provided tips on maximising offerings and connecting with customers. Topics discussed included digital marketing for pub accommodation, revenue management, the importance of managing guest reviews, the impact of tourist accommodation legislation and a presentation of research findings on pub accommodation.
ALMR Director of Communications Tony Sophoclides said: “Buoyed by a burgeoning consumer preference for boutique and character-driven accommodation, pubs are in a great position to capitalise and evolve their businesses. It is absolutely vital that any pubs looking to begin offering accommodation, or enhance their current accommodation offerings, are fully aware of the opportunities and pitfalls of this exciting sector.
This was a great event and an important step in helping pubs utilise their rooms. The ALMR will be working closely with its members and is excited to help promote this dynamic and growing aspect of the UK’s pub market.”
Stay in a Pub Director Paul Nunny added: “With the sector in its infancy, it is important to learn how we can continue to make gains with pub accommodation. As 80% of consumers want to book accommodation online, it is imperative that we are aware of the opportunities in relation to digital marketing, revenue management and getting to grips with TripAdvisor. This roundtable event ticked all these boxes.”
Guestline Head of Marketing Andy Craddock said: “The Profitable Beds in Pubs initiative and this event are unique opportunities to share, learn, discuss and implement good practice in developing profitable accommodation in the sector. Guestline is delighted to be a key part of making that happen.”
Fuller’s Head of Hotel Operations Mark Fulton concluded: “The annual Roundtable event is an excellent opportunity to openly discuss the challenges and opportunities facing us in the years ahead. It is an uncertain time at the moment, but well -run pubs serving excellent food that have beautiful bedrooms are well-placed to capitalise on the increase of tourists to the UK and the increasing popularity of “staycations.” Stay in a Pub provides managed and tenanted businesses with the perfect platform to publicise our businesses with rooms, and encourage commission-free bookings, and I look forward to working more closely with them this year.”
ALMR Director of Communications Tony Sophoclides said: “Buoyed by a burgeoning consumer preference for boutique and character-driven accommodation, pubs are in a great position to capitalise and evolve their businesses. It is absolutely vital that any pubs looking to begin offering accommodation, or enhance their current accommodation offerings, are fully aware of the opportunities and pitfalls of this exciting sector.
This was a great event and an important step in helping pubs utilise their rooms. The ALMR will be working closely with its members and is excited to help promote this dynamic and growing aspect of the UK’s pub market.”
Stay in a Pub Director Paul Nunny added: “With the sector in its infancy, it is important to learn how we can continue to make gains with pub accommodation. As 80% of consumers want to book accommodation online, it is imperative that we are aware of the opportunities in relation to digital marketing, revenue management and getting to grips with TripAdvisor. This roundtable event ticked all these boxes.”
Guestline Head of Marketing Andy Craddock said: “The Profitable Beds in Pubs initiative and this event are unique opportunities to share, learn, discuss and implement good practice in developing profitable accommodation in the sector. Guestline is delighted to be a key part of making that happen.”
Fuller’s Head of Hotel Operations Mark Fulton concluded: “The annual Roundtable event is an excellent opportunity to openly discuss the challenges and opportunities facing us in the years ahead. It is an uncertain time at the moment, but well -run pubs serving excellent food that have beautiful bedrooms are well-placed to capitalise on the increase of tourists to the UK and the increasing popularity of “staycations.” Stay in a Pub provides managed and tenanted businesses with the perfect platform to publicise our businesses with rooms, and encourage commission-free bookings, and I look forward to working more closely with them this year.”
