An independent association to promote and protect the interests of Bristol’s hotels has been relaunched.
The Bristol Hoteliers Association offered guidance and help for hotels in the city in the 2000s but had not been active in recent years.
Now following its relaunch it has already signed up 30 members already, including some of the city’s largest hotels, and will lobby the city council and national government to attract more business to its members’ venues.
The association will be managed by hotel general managers from across the city. The current chairman is Mark Payne, pictured, general manager of The Bristol Hotel on Harbourside. 
He hopes the group will now provide a forum where hotel owners and managers can highlight issues affecting their businesses and develop solutions that will benefit the sector in general in the city.
Maintaining high level occupancy in the Bristol area’s 40-plus hotels and 4,000 rooms will also be among its key objective along with their role in boosting the city’s overall economy.
Mark said: “Whether it’s the high-end or budget venue, collectively all the hotels located in greater Bristol play a major role in the prosperity of the city and surrounding area.
“They employ thousands of people, use many local suppliers and act as a shop window when people and businesses are looking for somewhere to stay or host an event.
“We are committed to improving the quality and standard of hotel service delivered by our team members, and to continuously improve the standard of hospitality to benefit guests’ overall experience of the region.
“In addition, we can provide expert advice and opinion on issues that will impact not only the sector but Bristol.
“Where necessary we will challenge decisions made both locally and nationally but in the interests of member hotels and venues as well as the city.
“We will also be looking to actively promote and support apprenticeships which we see as vital to the prospects of the sector as well as providing opportunities for those wanting a rewarding and successful career.
“The plan is to hold regular meetings, conferences and social events. We also plan to establish our own hospitality awards where we will celebrate best practice in the sector.
“We now want as many venues to join the association as collectively we will be in a much stronger position to help shape the future of our fantastic city for generations to come.”
