ASAP urges the UK Government to align its policies with its ambitions, and support the hospitality sector

Late last year, the  UK Government announced an ambitious target to grow Britain’s inbound tourism to 50 million visitors by 2030, up from 38 million in 2023.  This goal, central to plans for driving economic growth, was warmly received across the UK hospitality sector –  an industry that employs over 3 million people and contributes £74 billion annually to the economy .

Tourism Minister Sir Chris Bryant, speaking at the  Tourism Alliance  Conference, underscored his commitment to making the UK a leading global destination, emphasising the need for a  genuine partnership between the Government and the sector to deliver such transformative growth .

The outlook seemed promising! Positioning the UK as an appealing destination for long-haul and European travellers alike, including business visitors and those relocating.

However, yesterday (16th January), in a move seemingly at odds with this ambition, the Government  announced a 60% increase in the cost of entering the UK for visitors from outside the country. The  Electronic Travel Authorisation ( ETA ) fee, initially projected at £10, is now set to rise to £16 per person. Additional increases are planned for certificates of sponsorship and naturalisation applications, collectively expected to generate just £269 million annually.

The rationale offered – reducing the taxpayer burden on the migration and borders system – feels short-sighted and counterproductive. This decision risks undermining the very target the Government has set, treating international visitors as a mere revenue stream rather than valued contributors to the UK’s economic growth.

As representatives of the serviced accommodation industry, we join the Tourism Alliance in voicing our concern. Reaching the 50 million visitor target will be impossible if tourists are viewed simply as a cash cow. We have written to ministers to this effect, and urge the Government to align its policies with its ambitions and to support the sector in overcoming challenges, not exacerbating them. This issue will remain at the forefront of our Policy   Group agenda as we advocate for a balanced, forward-thinking approach.

More News & Views

by Becky Hoyle 27 May 2026
ASAP Operator Member Frasers Hospitality has announced a series of senior leadership appointments across its UK and German portfolio, reinforcing the company’s focus on operational excellence, internal talent development and delivering high-quality guest experiences across its European properties. The appointments support continued growth in Scotland, strengthen leadership in Germany and support the future launch of Capri by Fraser, Kensington / London, scheduled to open in 2027. The changes include: Sabine Ranft promoted to Area General Manager UK and General Manager of Capri by Fraser, Kensington / London Cristina Nuche promoted to General Manager of Fraser Suites Edinburgh Kristina Papaiova appointed Residence Manager at Fraser Suites Glasgow Sandy Goethel promoted to Deputy General Manager at Capri by Fraser Leipzig The appointments reflect Frasers Hospitality’s continued investment in leadership development, with Sabine Ranft, Cristina Nuche and Sandy Goethel all progressing into promoted roles within the business. Sabine Ranft takes on the newly expanded role of Area General Manager UK alongside her position leading the forthcoming Capri by Fraser, Kensington. Since joining Frasers Hospitality in 2018, she has held senior leadership positions across the brand’s German portfolio, most recently as Cluster General Manager for Capri by Fraser in Berlin and Leipzig, before relocating to London earlier this year. Cristina Nuche steps into the role of General Manager at Fraser Suites Edinburgh, bringing more than 20 years of hospitality experience across international hotel brands including Marriott International and IHG. In Glasgow, Kristina Papaiova has been appointed Residence Manager at Fraser Suites Glasgow following a career spanning hospitality operations, serviced apartments and tourism finance across Scotland. Meanwhile, Sandy Goethel has been promoted to Deputy General Manager at Capri by Fraser Leipzig after serving as Operations Manager at the property since 2022. Rebecca Hollants Van Loocke, Chief Operating Officer of Frasers Hospitality for EMEA, said: “These appointments reflect the depth of talent across Frasers Hospitality and our commitment to developing strong leaders within the business. Investing in our people remains central to delivering exceptional guest experiences and supporting the long-term success of our portfolio. I have every confidence in their ability to lead our teams into this next chapter of meaningful growth.” Frasers Hospitality properties are distinguished by their central city locations, generously proportioned apartments and functional in-room amenities, including kitchenettes. Combining the flexibility and independence of residential living with hotel-style services, the hotel residences enable guests to live comfortably whether staying for a short visit or an extended period. 
by Becky Hoyle 25 May 2026
Rising numbers of RV parks and campgrounds near U.S. host cities for the 2026 FIFA World Cup are making inventory available online ahead of the tournament, according to new analysis from ASAP Supplier Member RMS and outdoor hospitality booking platform Spot2Nite. The data suggests the number of RV parks listed within 50 miles of U.S. World Cup host cities has increased significantly compared with the same period last year for the tournament window between 10 and 20 June 2026. The findings point to growing efforts by outdoor hospitality operators to improve visibility and online bookability as accommodation providers prepare for demand linked to one of the world’s largest sporting events. The research also comes amid signs that hotel demand in some host markets may be developing more slowly than originally anticipated. Industry commentary in the U.S. has highlighted factors including international travel uncertainty, pricing pressures and the release of previously held room allocations as contributors to softer-than-expected early booking trends in some cities. Against that backdrop, RV parks and campgrounds could play an increasingly important role in the wider accommodation mix for travelling fans. According to the data, pricing varies considerably across host-city markets. Cities including Boston, San Francisco, Los Angeles and Philadelphia are currently showing higher average nightly rates during the tournament period, while markets such as Dallas and Kansas City remain comparatively lower priced. Houston was identified as one of the largest and most diverse markets in the analysis, with a broad range of pricing across listed properties. Adam Seskis, CEO of RMS, said operators should continue to monitor booking trends closely as tournament demand evolves. “With demand expected to shift as teams progress and fan travel plans change, operators will need to stay agile on pricing and availability throughout the competition,” he said. He added that visibility and ease of booking would be key differentiators for operators looking to benefit from World Cup-related demand. RMS said RV park and campground operators near host cities should review pricing strategies, distribution channels and booking systems ahead of the tournament period.
by Becky Hoyle 22 May 2026
ASAP Agent Member AltoVita has added more than 3 million bookable property units to its platform. The company's portfolio now totals more than 10 million units across 165 countries, more than 1 million of the newly added units are in the Asia-Pacific region. Read more
by Becky Hoyle 27 May 2026
ASAP Operator Member Frasers Hospitality has announced a series of senior leadership appointments across its UK and German portfolio, reinforcing the company’s focus on operational excellence, internal talent development and delivering high-quality guest experiences across its European properties. The appointments support continued growth in Scotland, strengthen leadership in Germany and support the future launch of Capri by Fraser, Kensington / London, scheduled to open in 2027. The changes include: Sabine Ranft promoted to Area General Manager UK and General Manager of Capri by Fraser, Kensington / London Cristina Nuche promoted to General Manager of Fraser Suites Edinburgh Kristina Papaiova appointed Residence Manager at Fraser Suites Glasgow Sandy Goethel promoted to Deputy General Manager at Capri by Fraser Leipzig The appointments reflect Frasers Hospitality’s continued investment in leadership development, with Sabine Ranft, Cristina Nuche and Sandy Goethel all progressing into promoted roles within the business. Sabine Ranft takes on the newly expanded role of Area General Manager UK alongside her position leading the forthcoming Capri by Fraser, Kensington. Since joining Frasers Hospitality in 2018, she has held senior leadership positions across the brand’s German portfolio, most recently as Cluster General Manager for Capri by Fraser in Berlin and Leipzig, before relocating to London earlier this year. Cristina Nuche steps into the role of General Manager at Fraser Suites Edinburgh, bringing more than 20 years of hospitality experience across international hotel brands including Marriott International and IHG. In Glasgow, Kristina Papaiova has been appointed Residence Manager at Fraser Suites Glasgow following a career spanning hospitality operations, serviced apartments and tourism finance across Scotland. Meanwhile, Sandy Goethel has been promoted to Deputy General Manager at Capri by Fraser Leipzig after serving as Operations Manager at the property since 2022. Rebecca Hollants Van Loocke, Chief Operating Officer of Frasers Hospitality for EMEA, said: “These appointments reflect the depth of talent across Frasers Hospitality and our commitment to developing strong leaders within the business. Investing in our people remains central to delivering exceptional guest experiences and supporting the long-term success of our portfolio. I have every confidence in their ability to lead our teams into this next chapter of meaningful growth.” Frasers Hospitality properties are distinguished by their central city locations, generously proportioned apartments and functional in-room amenities, including kitchenettes. Combining the flexibility and independence of residential living with hotel-style services, the hotel residences enable guests to live comfortably whether staying for a short visit or an extended period. 
by Becky Hoyle 25 May 2026
Rising numbers of RV parks and campgrounds near U.S. host cities for the 2026 FIFA World Cup are making inventory available online ahead of the tournament, according to new analysis from ASAP Supplier Member RMS and outdoor hospitality booking platform Spot2Nite. The data suggests the number of RV parks listed within 50 miles of U.S. World Cup host cities has increased significantly compared with the same period last year for the tournament window between 10 and 20 June 2026. The findings point to growing efforts by outdoor hospitality operators to improve visibility and online bookability as accommodation providers prepare for demand linked to one of the world’s largest sporting events. The research also comes amid signs that hotel demand in some host markets may be developing more slowly than originally anticipated. Industry commentary in the U.S. has highlighted factors including international travel uncertainty, pricing pressures and the release of previously held room allocations as contributors to softer-than-expected early booking trends in some cities. Against that backdrop, RV parks and campgrounds could play an increasingly important role in the wider accommodation mix for travelling fans. According to the data, pricing varies considerably across host-city markets. Cities including Boston, San Francisco, Los Angeles and Philadelphia are currently showing higher average nightly rates during the tournament period, while markets such as Dallas and Kansas City remain comparatively lower priced. Houston was identified as one of the largest and most diverse markets in the analysis, with a broad range of pricing across listed properties. Adam Seskis, CEO of RMS, said operators should continue to monitor booking trends closely as tournament demand evolves. “With demand expected to shift as teams progress and fan travel plans change, operators will need to stay agile on pricing and availability throughout the competition,” he said. He added that visibility and ease of booking would be key differentiators for operators looking to benefit from World Cup-related demand. RMS said RV park and campground operators near host cities should review pricing strategies, distribution channels and booking systems ahead of the tournament period.

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