Ryder storm for De Vere hotels
After the cancellation of the Ryder Cup at the Belfry due to the terrorist attacks in the US, De Vere is preparing to release its results, uncertain what the future holds.
The company, which owns the luxury hotel where the tournament was to be held last week, postponed it until next year after the Professional Golfers’ Association of America said the scope of the terror attacks was so overwhelming, the US would not attend.
Although the company has issued no statement on the effects of the postponement, other hoteliers say the cancellation has led to a considerable loss of business.
Hanover International, which specialises in conferences and training, said the cancellation will cost it about Pounds 350,000. The Welcombe hotel in Stratford-upon-Avon has lost about Pounds 70,000.
Furthermore, fears of war are keeping tourists at home. The British Hospitality Association estimates a 20% drop in hotel occupancy since 11 September.
The tourism industry stands to lose an extra Pounds 900m due to the knock-on effects of the attack, with 75,000 jobs under threat.
To counter the effects of the tragedy, tourism minister Kim Howells launched a tourism action plan last week, with an advertising campaign and plans to slash prices to attract foreign visitors.
Speaking after a meeting with the British Tourist Authority, Howells said: ‘There’s no doubt that our tourism industry will be affected. It has worked very hard following foot and mouth but now faces a new challenge.’
De Vere also operates in the health and fitness sector and owns G&J Greenall, manufacturer of white spirits. But there are rumours it may be looking to sell health and fitness brand, Greens.
In response to the rumours, De Vere issued this open-ended statement: ‘The board has received several expressions of interest since it appointed Close Brothers to review the strategic options for Greens. The board is in the initial stages of a process, which may or may not lead to a sale.’
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