Ian Whitty

I am now taking applications for the Q3 2024 intake for the Inspire Community with Inspiring Women in Hospitality .   What has been added to the community since I started the membership in September 2023: 🔷 Introduced a dedicated members site to the community, with access to a directory, resource and events library. 🔷 Launched the first peer mentorship program within the community. 🔷 Introduced member spotlights to shine the light on members. 🔷 Introduced quarterly workbook to keep track of insights co-created with members. 🔷 In 8 months I have facilitated 24 hours of opportunity to connect with women globally.   ❓ When asked why did you join the community. The responses that came back was to meet new people, to network and be part of a community of like-minded individuals.   ⭐ What I realised from this was that many women, mid-career do not have the same opportunities to network. Perhaps they are not attending industry events and conferences, cannot attend late night events, not utilising LinkedIn to its full potential. This community, by being virtual removes lack of access and removes any barrier/fears associated with networking, because we are all in this together.   💻 I have now opened applications for the Q32024 intake. I will be accepting applications till the end of June. Successful applicants will be invited to join the membership in July 2024. Link to apply is here: subscribepage.io/wISIcE   #community #hospitality #inspire #inspiration #connections #network #strong #bonds #learnings #virtual #accessible #global #women #leadership #midcareer #mentorship #membership #light #application #cocreation #potential #grow #strongertogether

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Surely your peace of mind is worth it? This article highlights the divide in the travel industry: the contrast between companies driven solely by price and profit, versus those dedicated to providing professional service and prioritising clients’ needs. Some companies cut corners by booking through two separate portals, sidestepping their obligation to secure financially protected package holidays for their clients. They may prioritise cost savings, but at what cost to your peace of mind and financial security? While it's tempting to hunt for the best online deals, consider the risks. Is a small saving worth compromising on financial protection, service quality, and peace of mind? Next time you plan a trip, consider the value of professionalism. Choose a travel partner who prioritises your experience above all else. https://lnkd.in/e3kTffzX ☎ 01245 570058 📩 samantha.price@mytc.com #travel #traveladvisor #peaceofmindmatters #independenttravelagent #WorryFreeTravel

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Wexford

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Here's my recent take on the off course modern golf world, this time starting with driving ranges. What do you think? Golf in 2024 is apparently in a good place. Just a few years ago golf saw huge growth through COVID. With its benefits being championed and new and lapsed players returning we saw the game grow. Well where are we now in 2024? My opinion is that golf has missed a great opportunity on the whole and here's why. As someone who has worked in golf and leisure for 20 years now it's moved on at a snail's pace. Driving ranges are a way to ease new players into the game aren't they? There are a few great ranges but on the whole most of the UK's ranges are terrible. Either they are not covered (it rains in the UK!) or at best covered by a run-down adapted shed. The experience is borderline dreadful whether it be golf balls that are dirty, no drinks on offer or a terrible outfield with a few flags or no engaging technology. These places won't attract anyone except the avid golfer looking to hone their swing but they could be so much more. I recently visited a very popular range and contrary to the above the place was packed. Were the mats and balls shiny? No they weren’t. The whole experience was pretty underwhelming but they thrive off an amazing location. The location is so good that the fact the range isn't in good condition doesn’t affect them greatly but that’s not an option for 90% of driving ranges. For clubs and facilities embracing their ranges they are attracting families and new golfers and growing their business. By adding technology, simple and tasty F&B offerings, having a good bookable website (this is rare) these once run down sheds in a field can become a lucrative business reaching far wider than a few golfers. With the squeeze on everyone's pockets, having a good attractive online presence and then delivering a great experience are key to driving golf into its next growth or is range golf a separate sporting activity altogether? As a modern golf advocate let me know your thoughts and let's grow the range game together. #golf #golfindustry #sportsentertainment #socialentertainment

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The changing landscape in golf membership offerings and virtual HCP models does not need to be of major concern to clubs, referring to Alistair D.'s recent article in The Golf Business.... "Among Farren’s worries are that golfers who have club memberships will sign up to Independent Golfer card and leave their clubs, and that there was a lack of figures presented to show how many members of clubs in England, Wales, Scotland and other countries have now done this." Resilience is key and the time is now to focus and prepare your club operations for the diverse, ever demanding, and more complex golf business models which enter the market, in even faster time periods these days. Nexxchange, with it's Cloud-based technology and highly parametrisable solution, allows operators to easily add membership products and offerings which are flexible, time based, with demand driven pricing, allowing you to continue to grow your markets, attract and motivate golfers to play more regularly. Contact us Nexxchange to learn more or visit us @The British Golf Show https://lnkd.in/dQB5bF89

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It's all in the detail and when it comes to delivering events, we do so with distinction. #tasmania #hobart #theluxurycollection #marriottbonvoy #privateevents #catering #incentivetrip #conferences #businessevents

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Getting into a strong fitness regime does wonders for your mind and body https://ow.ly/Ezab50RNvOn

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#Worklife: Good morning! “It’s how you deal with failure that determines how you achieve success.” David Feherty, Irish Professional Golfer, Broadcaster, Humorist. If you get to experience a long career of several decades, you will be embraced by both opportunity as well as personal challenges. A career that lasts 35, 40, or more years will bring with it the ups and downs experienced throughout life. In a full time career that lasted 49 years, I had 3 situations that taxed my skills, my experience, and my learnings. Two I managed poorly, the third I figured out rather quickly. Let’s be real. Very few people work for decades, especially in this modern world of work, without some some of serious career challenge. Unless your name is above the door, it isn’t likely to happen. Prepare now for the unforeseen problem(s) ahead. Here are some of my learnings as one with 3 at-bats: Communicate: make a habit of connecting to people everywhere in your industry. Today you might be speaking with a low-level manager……tomorrow that person may be in charge. Go to local Rotary and Chamber meetings. The goal is to make your name and smile known to as many community people as possible. Next, Save: you can never have enough money. (In the Great Recession I was out of work 18 months!) and I was known and very experienced! So Save! Next: develop your on line story. Write a consistent post, blog or newsletter that helps others (I know of one!) so that when people hear your name, they will realize the value you bring. Lastly: be willing to work! Take part-time work, a temporary role or work outside your comfort zone. Nothing stays the same and nothing lasts forever. Many times a temporary thing or a part-time role can turn into much more. Be willing, stay hungry and show the value you can offer. People hire people who will bring positive results. Allow that to be your mantra. You can hope bad times pass you by, but Hope is Not a strategy. Thank you for reading. (these are my words and my opinions only.) connect with me to talk about a presentation to your team. Jackd@careerdividends.com. #save #plan #calm #serve.

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The latest Tourism 360° Performance Update provides a summary of quarter one 2024 performance data. This includes Northern Ireland accommodation performance and analysis of digital data such as online reviews and air access, as well as findings from our recent consumer sentiment research. Recently available 2023 performance data, e.g. highlighting the exceptional spend by Republic of Ireland visitors in Northern Ireland last year, is also included.   Key findings indicate that accommodation performance for the first three months of 2024 was positive, with rates remaining above those achieved during January-March 2023 and encouraging forward bookings over the next 90 days. Performance from international markets remains stable, with scheduled seat capacity to Northern Ireland during May-September 2024 sitting at 109% of the 2023 level. You can view the update here https://lnkd.in/eVYV6Qm5 Consumer sentiment research indicates that cost of living is impacting NI and ROI consumers’ travel intentions in 2024, with a general softening in demand evident at this point of the year. Value for money and visitor experience remain important drivers.

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Be part of making the hospitality industry better. 🎧Our Listeners learn and improve themselves and their teams by listening to the show! 🎧 Stefano Cuomo, CEO of Macknade , says: "I highly recommend this...the podcast is vital listening, not only for forward-thinking F&B businesses but for those of us searching for systems and structures to embed into our businesses to support sustainability, with food and drink, of course, being at the heart of this. I have yet to get to Zingerman's, but I have digested all I can of what they do and their approach to thriving as a community-focused business, as everyone around them chases growth! I can guarantee you will find this inspiring, it always is! ." Imagine your brand getting this kind of exposure every episode. Interested? Sponsoring the Hospitality Maverick Podcast isn’t just about ads. It’s about aligning with thought leadership and being part of a conversation that drives the hospitality industry forward. Join us as a headline sponsor and leverage our platform to showcase your brand’s commitment to innovation and excellence. Reach out to learn more about this unique opportunity! Let’s connect - DM me here. Ps. Check out more great reviews via the link in the comments. #brand #imopact #thoughtleadership

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KNOW WHEN TO HOLD ‘EM KNOW WHEN TO FOLD ‘EM PLAY THE CARDS YOU ARE DEALT!   In May 2025 Sandymount Hotel will celebrate its 70th anniversary. NO Dublin hotel has survived longer in the same ownership. What is the secret? I have no idea, but these are some of my thoughts:   Success needs luck which can change at any time. Many who ‘succeed’ have an overinflated sense of their own importance. Staff value respect and personal acknowledgement more than remuneration. Unlike corporate hotels, family-run can forego this year’s profit to “take the right decision”. You plan for what you think will happen, but you literally don’t know. The banker lending you money will not be the same guy who wants it back. ‘Networking’ is a fancy name for nurturing friendship and relationships. It is not the acts of others, but your response that determines the outcome. Ownership, Accountability, and Responsibility give you control. Blame, Excuse and Denial make you a victim with no control.   #hospitalityireland; #sandymounthotel; #PwC; #Wanderersfc; #avivastadium; #survival; #mywife #familybusiness; #valuestaff; #networking #OARvBED #howyourespond; #control  

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Last year, I finished a six month improvisation program with the Castlereagh Boutique Hotel, where some of the results we got went beyond the KPIs. One was the housekeeping team organically speeding up their room cleaning time by 17%. It isn't usual for staff to collectively help each other improve efficiencies when it's not a directive. Other teams, like front desk and the accounts department also saw improvements. The takeaways from the program were five things. When staff see many times over that they are: ⑴ respected ⑵ trusted, ⑶ heard, and ⑷ they know their voice is being considered, ⑸ they then reciprocate more. Yes, being respected also includes being paid well, having flexible work options, ability to work remote etc. However, even having a well paying job in a place where you aren't heard does not breed loyalty. How did we get to point ⑸? By focusing on improvisation activities that promoted active listening and postponing judgement. What goals could your organisation achieve when you have these five things working?

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So imagine returning to your club and seeing 35 golfers playing the same hole........... I would think 99.99% of UK golf clubs and managers would panic at the thought of such a concept. But look deeper into the concept around Random Golf Club. A NEW WAY TO PLAY GOLF Random Golf Club is more than a golf club; it's a worldwide network of local golf enthusiasts. Born from Erik Anders Lang's passion for golf, storytelling with Adventures in Golf and the spontaneous connections on the first tee, our goal is bold: to build the biggest, most inclusive golf club in the world. What was amazing about this event. 1. The camaraderie was electric 2. A great way to use late afternoon / early evening tee times. 3. There was no interruption of the tee sheet. 4. Post round atmosphere was electric. 5. Everyone felt a sense of belonging regardless of skill or ability. 6. No one felt intimidated or left out Is this a potential route to encouraging all the NTG (none traditional golfers) to experience golf on a course for the first time!!!!!!!!!!! or will LIV Golf introduce 35 player teams playing together on one hole..... :-) Ramdom Golf or Revolution Golf Well done to Alex Wright on believing and supporting the concept and the Pyrford Lakes team of Richard Covey Ollie Perkins Leigh Warner for delivering another world class golf experience for all. Get Golfing taking team golf to a whole new level. Simon Wakefield Michael Williams Peter Green Hannah Bowen Billie-Jo Smith Lawrence Stocker Amy M. Declan Blackwood Harry Croft Ana Simón de Miguel Harry Green David Harris Gary Walsh Tim Baker Phil Gadd

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A very accurate summary of what hospitality in Scotland means .

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Wednesday 12th June- 10am. WATCH LIVE Eamon McCusker of AM PM Restaurant will join the HU team to outline the lived reality of running a hospitality business to the Economy Committee. Watch live here (live stream 2) 👉 https://lnkd.in/eWEigkdh Hospitality Ulster is once again set to take the current state of the industry to Stormont on Wednesday 12th June in a written and oral evidence session to the NI Economy Committee. Top of the agenda will be urgent issues like business rates, VAT and help to pay the new living wage rates, backed by real life experience and industry data showing the reality of operating a hospitality business in Northern Ireland. These fights are not won or lost in a stand-alone committee session, but it is vitally important to take the opportunity to inform the work of the Economy Committee with facts, as we continue to make the case for reform and support for businesses both here and at Westminster.

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3 Simple Phrases That Make Every Conversation Less Awkward, According to a Communications Coach In a piece for Psychology Today, Ni shares five tactics that you can use to make any conversation less awkward. Here are three phrases he recommends. 1. "How did you get involved in ...?" 2. "That's interesting. Tell me more!" 3. "Let me think for a moment ..." Having these few phrases ready to deploy whenever a conversation threatens to turn awkward is a great place to start. https://ow.ly/uXLS50RRz6G #productivity #communicationskills

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