London establishments hail lucrative return of business tourism
London venues are cashing in on the return of business travel as a major hotel company says video conferencing via Zoom is no longer enough for bosses.
Corporate bookings at PPHE Hotel Group have returned to pre-pandemic levels despite fears that work-related travel was a victim of virtual meetings.
The company behind Westminster’s giant Park Plaza hotel and the Radisson hotel chain is seeing “very strong traction” in demand for corporate bookings, its chief financial officer, Daniel Kos, told The Mail.
“We’re hearing about a lot of big meetings with a lot of attendees and from companies on a global scale,” he said.
Kos added: ‘During the pandemic, the general opinion was that no one will travel anymore and they will do meetings on Zoom.
Cash in: Corporate bookings at PPHE Hotel Group are back to pre-pandemic levels despite fears that work-related travel was a casualty of virtual meetings
“Zoom is very effective, but in the end what you want is to see a person and get to know them.”
Corporate travel has focused on weekdays and many take ‘bleisure’ trips that combine business and pleasure, added PPHE.
The resurgence has also helped to close the cash registers of pubs and restaurants, according to UKHospitality. “Business trade has increased significantly,” UKHospitality chief executive Kate Nicholls said.
In another sign of the times, Eric Yuan, the head of Zoom, told staff they needed to be in the office at least two days a week, stating that “we can’t debate each other well because everyone tends to be very friendly when you talk to us.” join a meeting.” Zoom call’.
