The British Hospitality Association (BHA) has joined forces with ITN to create a dedicated news programme to provide a unified voice for the hospitality industry.
The programme has been commissioned by ITN Productions, the creative production hub at ITN, and will be presented by national newsreader, Natasha Kaplinsky.
Simon Shelley, UK director of programming, will oversee the editorial. He says: “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.”
Ufi Ibrahim, chief executive at the BHA, adds: “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.”
The programme will be premiered at The British Hospitality & Tourism Summit on Thursday 5th June at Novotel London West, and will reach all parts of the sector, key partners to the industry and will be distributed by ITN to its relevant networks.
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 – readers should contact Simon Shelley for more information.
