The British Hospitality Association, the agenda-setter of the hospitality and tourism industry, has joined forces with ITN to create a dedicated news programme to provide a unified voice for the hospitality industry.
Natasha Kaplinsky to present
National newsreader Natasha Kaplinsky (pictured above) will present the programme from the national news studios at ITN and the aim of the initiative is to celebrate the success of the sector in creating jobs and contributing to the economy. Also to provide clearer understanding on issues that will reduce the regulatory and financial burdens that hinder the growth of this vibrant and powerful community.
ITN Productions, the creative production hub at ITN, has commissioned the news programme. Simon Shelley, UK Director of Programming, will oversee the editorial and has said, “We’re delighted to be partnering with the BHA, creating content and a voice on major themes such as inspiring the next generation, responsible hospitality and driving the UK’s competitiveness. We’re excited to bring to life the incredible success stories of individuals who have risen in the sector, but we’re also keen to get the right message across on the issues that hinder growth and profitability.”
Creating an inspiring new programme
Ufi Ibrahim, Chief Executive, BHA said, “The hospitality and tourism industry has recently been singled out by government ministers for its ‘sharp focus’ on job generation and it’s a little known fact that our sector accounted for one third of all new jobs created between 2010 and 2012. This growth will move hospitality into the top three biggest employers in Britain, and with 44% of hospitality employees under the age of 30 it’s fair to say that this sector is the future. We’re delighted that ITN has recognised the important contribution our industry makes to the UK economy and look forward to creating an inspiring new programme which will showcase our work and inspire future generations.”
Premiere at BHA Summit
The programme will be premiered at the The British Hospitality & Tourism Summit on Thursday 5 June 2014, which will be hosted by Accor at the Novotel London West. The programme will reach all parts of the sector, key partners to the industry and be distributed by ITN to their relevant networks as well.
There is an opportunity for organisations with a compelling story to tell to feature in the programme with a dedicated film on their work. This is by invitation only and will involve a commercial contribution: contact Simon Shelley, simon.shelley@itn.co.uk for more information.