London hotels may be half empty this summer warning
London's hotels could be left half empty this summer, contributing to a £4b slump in revenues, as tourists steer clear of the city in the wake of July's attacks. Experts have warned that hotel occupancy rates, which before last Thursday (21 July) were holding at around 75%, could slump to below 50% over the coming weeks if visitors are deterred. Alex Kyriakidis, global head of tourism, hospitality and leisure at accountants Deloitte, said the terrorist situation meant the industry was entering "uncharted waters". – Independent on Sunday, 24 July
Japanese tourists jittery about travel to Britain
Asian tourists, largely from Japan, are proving to be the most jittery about visiting Britain in the wake of the London terror attacks, according to VisitBritain. Americans seem determined to not let fears over terrorism alter their travel plans. – The Business, 24 July
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Foreign Office warn on Egypt tourism
Two British holidaymakers were reported to be among at least 88 people killed by bombers who attacked two hotels and a coffee shop within minutes at the Egyptian diving resort of Sharm el-Sheikh. The Foreign Office said it was unlikely to change its advice to tourists bound for Egypt. It was already warning them to be “extremely vigilant”, a spokesman said. – Sunday Times, 24 July
Chinese tourists come to Britain
A party of Chinese tourism chiefs arrive in London today for a week visit. Leisure chiefs hope the initial trickle of visitors from China will turn into a flood and estimate they could generate £200m a year in tourism by 2010. – Mail on Sunday, 24 July
Dublin hotel site gets €280m bid
Mountbrook Homes has topped the tender for the Jurys Doyle Hotels Ballsbridge site in Dublin with a bid of more than €280m — or €58m per acre. The guide price on the site — location of the Jurys and Tower hotels — was €150m. – Sunday Times (Irish edition), 24 July
