Expert help for launch of hotel (From Business in Dorset)

Expert help for launch of hotel

11:56am Friday 11th July 2008

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HOTEL management experts from Bournemouth University are checking in at the Portland Spa to help staff prepare for the opening of a four-star hotel.

The Portland Spa Conference and Banqueting Centre has joined forces with the university's school of services management for the project.

The link-up comes before the 80-bedroomed hotel - the final piece of the jigsaw at the £10 million complex - opens in November.

Portland Spa managing director Andrew Coupe said: "Our focus is on developing new market opportunities for the hospitality industry in South Dorset.

"The opening of the hotel signals the completion of a two-year strategic plan to create the Portland Spa Hotel and Conference Centre.

"The addition of the luxury accommodation with breathtaking sea views will add a whole new dimension to the complex and its activities.

"The Portland Spa management team is determined to establish the highest calibre, world-class standards for this fantastic new four star hotel.

"We have commissioned support from a range of experts at the university training school, who have held senior management appointments within the international hotel industry."

The four-star hotel has 80 double, or twin, rooms, including four luxury suites.

The university's school of services management includes a hotel training school.

It runs undergraduate and postgraduate management courses in events, food, hospitality, leisure, retail, sport and tourism but is also involved in research.

Four hotel management experts from the school will work closely with the Spa's management and operational staff on management systems and quality standards.

David Kilburn, who is head of business development at the school of services management, said: "The hospitality and tourism industry in Dorset continues to thrive and we are hugely encouraged by the commitment of The Portland Spa to its future.

"This is an ambitious and impressive development with endless potential.

"Our team is relishing the challenge of working on this project to launch the first and only major hotel and conference centre of its kind in Dorset."

The £10 million complex includes a therapy suite, fitness centre, indoor swimming pool, Orchid Restaurant and conference and banqueting centre with a suite of rooms and a 200 seat theatre.

The hotel is set to attract a range of different types of guests, including delegates attending conferences at the complex, business users, tourists and people taking advantage of special spa breaks and pamper weekends.

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