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1. UK inflation remains steady
Inflation in the United Kingdom was 2.8% in May, the same as it was in April. The Office for National Statistics reports that transportation, including airfares, made the largest upward contribution and food and non-alcoholic beverages made the largest downward contribution. The inflation rate for hotels and restaurants was 4.2% in May, down from 4.4% a month prior.
The BBC reports economists predicted the U.K.'s May inflation rate to rise to 3% and “were widely expecting it to steadily (increase) over the coming months due to the ongoing impact of the war in the Middle East.”
2. England’s pubs, hotel bars see almost 300% bookings surge for World Cup
As the England team gets ready to play its first FIFA World Cup 2026 game on Thursday against Croatia, UKHospitality reports England’s participation in the tournament has resulted in an almost 300% increase in bookings to pubs and hotel bars. Kate Nicholls, UKHospitality’s chair, said such bars are “categorically the best place(s) to watch England at the World Cup, both tonight and for the rest of the tournament.”
The report added hospitality businesses in the U.K. benefit enormously from major football tournaments. The last major event, Euro 2024, “delivered a 42% sales increase, with UKHospitality predicting a similar boost during this World Cup.”
3. Hoteliers criticize Dublin’s development levy increase
On June 8, Dublin City Council announced a tax increase on the development of new hotels, hostels and aparthotels starting July 1, RTÉ News reports. The council’s Draft Section 48 Development Contribution Scheme decision will increase the levy to €244 per square meter.
Irish Hotels Federation CEO Paul Gallagher said in a statement that “the doubling of the charge sends the wrong signal at the worst possible time” and added if Ireland is “serious about meeting [its] national tourism targets, it makes no sense to double a major upfront charge on the very accommodation those targets depend on.”
4. Hyatt Regency Ontario repositioning secures $103 million financing
Nonprofit, affordable-housing developer National CORE has closed on $103 million of bond financing to convert the Ontario Airport Hotel & Conference Center, in Ontario, California, northeast of Los Angeles, as the Hyatt Regency Ontario. A news release said that investor demand has been robust, “allowing JP Morgan, the sole underwriter, to reduce interest rates to a blended rate for the entire financing of slightly more than 6%.”
Financing includes $27.3 million in Property Assessed Clean Energy bonds and $74.5 million in “hotel revenue bonds supporting renovation, construction and project-related costs.”
The property is scheduled to open as a Hyatt Regency in early 2027.
5. Travelodge apologizes for 'Free Palestine' message
British budget hotel chain Travelodge has apologized to a guest who earlier this month turned on their hotel room TV at the London Manor House Travelodge to see a message that said “Free Palestine,” according to the BBC. The company said it could not find anyone responsible for the message but plans to start antisemitism training for all staff.
In March, Travelodge CEO Joy Boydell also apologized following an incident in which a man sexually assaulted another hotel guest after gaining access to her room. The man reportedly lied to hotel staff about being the woman's boyfriend and passed hotel security checks by providing her name. The company has since changed its door-key policy.
