Influences in Conference and Banqueting industry Assignment

Influences in Conference and Banqueting industry - Assignment Example The paper tells that hospitality industry encompasses the establishments that provide accommodation, meals, drinks, conferencing services among other related services. The hospitality industry provides two major services, which are the overnight accommodation and sustenance for people. The UK tourism industry has recorded tremendous growth over the years, and even during the recession, the industry continued to expand. In 2010 July, the amount spent overseas visitors was  £1.96b, which represented a 15.9% rise as compared to the 2009 value of  £1.69b. This shows how the industry has potential for growth. Therefore, hospitality industry contributes significantly to the economy and employs millions of people. Conference and banqueting is one of the fields under the hospitality industry. This field provides conferencing activities to several people including local residents to international tourists. Banqueting is currently a lucrative business especially with the growth of conferen cing facilities. Banqueting refers to the act of serving food and beverage to a group of individuals eating together, for example, in cerebration or conference. It is a highly profitable venture, and as such, most facilities in the hospitality industry have incorporated it in their services. The hospitality industry is one of the fastest growing industries, and indeed, the largest in the world. In the UK, this industry makes up a significant part of the economy, with its over 50, 000 guest houses and hotels and an annual turnover of  £ 50 billion. In addition, the industry employs over 1.7 million workforce. (British Hospitality Association, 2008). This industry is large and wide, and ranks third among the top sectors that provide employment. The industry is diverse due to ownership, innovation, grading system and classification, leisure facilities, level of service and future trends. Narrowing down, the conference and banqueting industry contributes ? 18.8 billion to the economy of UK according to the UK Events Market Trends Survey results. The business prospect of this industry increases annually, thus, it has attracted many investors especially during the preparation for the 2012 Olympics. Currently, the industry does not only provide meeting and food services, but there are additional services such as shops, nightclubs, hair and beauty salons, internet, gymnasium, shops, and laundry services. Conferencing services are mostly for business people whom after the meetings would prefer to have a little leisure and relaxation. Thus, the conference and banqueting industry has included the mentioned services to ensure that the guests do not leave the premises to go and look for leisure activities elsewhere. Research reveals that most hotels have special facilities in built for conference and banqueting events, as it has emerged a very profitable business area. An example of hotel or hospitality provider that has excelled in the area of conference and banqueting is the Villa Park or Aston Villa. The hotel that offers hospitality and events services emerged the best in the category of ‘Best UK Unusual Events’ during the prestigious M&IT Awards. Apart from excellent services, Villa Park is located centrally less than two miles from the M6, and offers spacious free car parking spaces, which makes it a perfect venue to host events. Another example of facility that offers good conference and banqueting services is The Royal Over-Seas League, which is a Private Members’ club that offers unique services for all kinds of occasions. Referred to as ROSL in short, the facility has eclectic collection of events and meeting rooms, as well as styles and designs that offers exquisite views of various places. Factors that have