Held at DWF’s Manchester office, the session explored what the next decade holds for the hotel industry and how stakeholders can collaborate to meet evolving consumer expectations and urban challenges.
Chaired by Dan Whelan of Place North, the discussion featured contributions from Jill Anderson (Whitbread), Melanie Williams (DWF), Richard Servidei (AREA), Aoife Roche (STR), and other industry experts.
Chaired by Dan Whelan of Place North, the discussion featured contributions from Jill Anderson (Whitbread), Melanie Williams (DWF), Richard Servidei (AREA), Aoife Roche (STR), and other industry experts.
Key Takeaways:
- Understanding the New Consumer: With the cost-of-living crisis reshaping spending habits, guests are becoming more discerning. Jill Anderson, Acquisition Manager at Whitbread, noted, “We’re seeing a shift in priorities - value, experience, and location are under the microscope. Hotels must truly understand their audience if they want to stay competitive.”
- Designing for Viability: The panel discussed how increasing bed counts and optimising room layouts could enhance project viability. Smaller, better-designed rooms were highlighted as a strategic response to rising development costs and changing guest expectations.
- Events as Economic Catalysts: Cities that hosted major concerts - such as Taylor Swift or Oasis - saw significant spikes in revenue per available bed. Melanie Williams, Head of Global Real Estate at DWF, commented, “Big gigs are more than entertainment - they’re economic drivers. The hospitality sector must align with city planners to maximise these opportunities.”
The roundtable also touched on broader themes including the role of hotels in urban regeneration, the impact of tourism taxes, and the coexistence of hotels and short-term rentals. The session underscored the importance of cross-sector collaboration in shaping vibrant, resilient hospitality ecosystems.
View the video for an overview of how the speakers addressed the main topics.
From acquisitions and development to franchising and compliance, DWF helps hospitality businesses navigate complex legal landscapes and unlock opportunities for expansion.
To find out more about DWF’s hospitality and hotels group, please contact Melanie Williams.
