By Hasnain Alloo, group commercial director, Edwardian Hotels London
London has always prided itself on being an international city. With over 100 languages spoken daily, and many international businesses such as Apple and Google basing their European offices here, London is the very definition of a connected, global city.
What’s more, our identity has grown over the past few years with events such as the London Olympics and campaigns such as #LondonIsOpen showcasing the best in sport, culture and entertainment that the capital has to offer.
Forecasts show that by 2025 more than 40m people are expected to visit London, up from around 30m in 2016. Many of these people will be in London for business meetings, conferences and events. It is no surprise therefore that the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) has ranked London in the top five destinations in the world for association events.
London will also hopefully rise in the rankings over the next 12 months with the new Elizabeth Line (Crossrail) opening in 2018 set to increase the capital’s connectivity. Visitors to London will be able to move across the city to Heathrow and beyond faster and smoother than ever before. As such, London will remain a globally connected city that continues to stay ahead of the game and thrive as a business centre.
Yet, London also faces many challenges to its dominance and global competitiveness, and connectivity can always be improved.
In the face of airport expansion in the Middle and Far East, London has an upcoming airport capacity problem that needs addressing in the near future so that businesses from around the world can continue to access London quickly and easily.
London hotels want to see businesses from all four corners of the UK visit the capital for meetings and events on a more regular basis – but we know that this can only happen with an improved rail system such as HS2.
As hoteliers, we hear from guests that location is key when booking meeting and event spaces.
Furthermore, research from the Global Business Travel Association found that free and high-speed Wi-Fi was the most important amenity for business travellers. In the words of journalist Mark Ellwood, ‘Forget Michelin stars, it’s Mbps that matter’.
With so much talent in London, including creative minds working at European headquarters such as Facebook and Snapchat, as part of our recent hotel upgrades Edwardian Hotels London has focused on encouraging ‘connected communities’ with open, communal, flexible spaces for businesses to meet before or after meetings and events. These spaces, such as Radisson Blu Edwardian, Mercer Street’s new lobby, have been a popular place for business travellers to either relax, meet others, or put the finishing touches to a presentation in a beautiful light-filled lounge area.
Connectivity, both actual and virtual, is expected by all guests who come to London. If we don’t provide it, there are many cities around the world who will welcome them with open arms.
