The top 5 stories in hospitality this week 07/11 - 11/11
2017 trends
Plant-based dishes, 'wonky' veg and 'calming' ingredients are among six food trends to watch in 2017, according to market research firm Mintel. The company is also predicting a greater focus on restaurants cutting food waste and a rise in cheap, healthy options.
'Worst hotel' makes turnaround?
Britannia Hotels has more than doubled its profits to £33m in the past year despite being voted the UK's 'worst hotel chain' four years in a row. The company said it was investing in its properties and purchasing new sites to survive in an 'increasingly competitive' UK hotel market.
Curry industry 'betrayal'
The founder of the British Curry Awards has accused Theresa May of 'betraying' the industry after she backtracked on calls to relax visa rules for Indian chefs. Enam Ali warned that the future of the UK curry industry remains 'at risk' due to an ongoing shortage of skilled staff.
Accor's youth appeal
AccorHotels is continuing to target the millennial market by buying a 30 per cent stake in German boutique brand 25hours Hotels. Accor will help the seven-strong group, which focuses on young, urban travellers, to expand in Europe and worldwide.
American invasion
The weakened pound could see American tourists spend an extra £1bn in the UK next year, according to booking site Travelzoo. The company said it had seen a 35 per cent rise in US searches for UK destinations as travellers sought to take advantage of currency fluctuations following the Brexit vote.
For a full rundown of this week's news click here.
