Strong Summer Performance Boosted Further by Opening of New Hotels at St George?s Park
Amidst a successful summer for British sport and tourism, and following speeches from Secretary of State Jeremy Hunt and IOC President Jacques Rogge in support of British hospitality, Hilton Worldwide is stating its intention to support a long lasting sports tourism legacy with the opening today of landmark hotels at the new home of English football, St George’s Park.
Simon Vincent, area president at Hilton Worldwide, said, “This summer has been a success for British sport, the tourism industry and Hilton Worldwide. Having operated at near full occupancy in London over the past fortnight, we are ahead of last year for the month of August and confident of a long lasting legacy, provided the right support mechanisms are put in place.”
Its first dual branded property in the UK, Hilton at St George’s Park and Hampton by Hilton St George’s Park opens at what has been dubbed the new home of English football. St. George’s Park is the Football Association’s multi-million pound development with world-class training and development facilities designed to nurture a new generation of world class performers. Hilton also opened Hilton London Wembley last month, its new hotel immediately adjacent to Wembley Stadium.
“Today we open one of the most exciting hotel projects in living memory, one which combines the inspirational visions of both sports and tourism, with a special focus on youth development. With this and the wider momentum we’re seeing, there is an opportunity to not only encourage more visitors to Britain but inspire more young people into hospitality, which is an incredibly exciting and rewarding industry”, added Vincent.
Having signed up to the Government’s Youth Contract and Social Mobility Compact, Hilton Worldwide is working to encourage the next generation into the hospitality industry. After introducing a chef apprenticeship academy in 2010, the company is preparing to launch a new apprenticeship scheme aimed at providing further opportunities to include other areas of the hotel industry. Vincent was also recently appointed as chair of the Hospitality Guild, a new umbrella organisation that brings together industry associations and professional bodies to champion skills development within hospitality.
Speaking about Jeremy Hunt’s tourism speech and the legacy, Vincent said, “As a founding partner of the Visit Britain campaign we are delighted to see further planned investment in tourism marketing, particularly in the likes of China which is a key future source market. In a competitive global tourism landscape, we welcome further commitment to ease the visa process and call for urgent change as any increased marketing spend is futile if we continue to put up barriers to entry.
“At Hilton Worldwide we are constantly refining our offer to ensure we meet the needs of international travellers and remain culturally relevant. Last year we launched Hilton Huanying, a programme of services and amenities for our Chinese guests, while also commissioning the School of Oriental and African Studies to develop a study on how the rise of Chinese tourism will change the face of the European travel industry.”
Hilton at St George’s Park, Burton upon Trent offers upscale accommodation with 91 standard guest rooms, 41 executive rooms and 14 suites. Hampton by Hilton at St. George’s Park, Burton upon Trent provides 86 air-conditioned guest rooms, fitness room, 24/7 snack area, complimentary hot breakfast and contemplation room. Conferencing facilities are extensive thanks to a 500 seat conference room (convertible to a 400 capacity ballroom) 250 seat education zone featuring state of the art meeting, tutorial and seminar rooms and a 90 seat lecture theatre.
Guests can enjoy the stunning countryside location and wonderful views across the 330 acre site as they relax in the aptly named bar and lounge area, The Crossbar, or enjoy a meal in The Restaurant at St. George’s Park. This 66-seat brasserie offers a hearty British menu showcasing the best quality food, freshly prepared from seasonal, locally sourced produce and can cater for additional private dining for up to 68 guests.
The wider complex boasts upscale fitness and health facilities, which will include a range of services available to both hotel guests and local residents. The Health Club & Spa at St George’s Park will offer the very latest fitness and spa facilities as well as an indoor pool and relaxation area. The Spa, which includes four treatment rooms, will offer a luxurious experience with a Comfort Zone bespoke menu of services, exclusive to the Health Club and Spa at St George’s Park.
In addition, all facilities offered to guests at the neighbouring Hilton at St George’s Park will also be made available to those staying at the Hampton by Hilton property. An ample car park boasts 350 spaces, shared with the St. George’s Park training facility, while both hotels offer complimentary Wi-Fi throughout.
For further information on Hilton and Hampton by at Hilton St. George’s Park visit www.thefa.com/stgeorgespark. A selection of images of Hilton at St George’s Park, Burton upon Trent are available at http://news.hilton.com/stgeorgespark.