London solidifies its spot as a top global travel destination for North American travellers in 2022

Strong flight bookings and hotel occupancy rates demonstrates London as an “it” destination with a number of major events and happenings underway through the remainder of the year

New hotel openings and US-UK flight routes ensure the city is primed for US visitors this fall and winter

Top events include NFL London, Frieze London, the London Marathon and holiday favourites Christmas at the Kew and Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park

London continues to be one of the top destinations for global travellers, with the UK capital reporting its strongest hotel occupancy numbers and flight bookings since the pandemic. The “it” destination celebrated the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee this past spring with record crowds, top-notch entertainment and royal family sightings. Visitors from North America continue to outpace other international markets, ranking London among the top destinations on their travel bucket list.

According to the latest Traveler Insights Report from Expedia Group Media Solutions, London was the third most booked destination globally in Q2 and the second most booked international destination by North American travellers. London also ranked as the number one booked destination for travellers from the Asia Pacific and Europe, Middle East and Africa regions1. Separate research from ForwardKeys reports that North American travellers are showing a strong appetite for visiting London this Autumn, with flight bookings up by 227% compared with the same time period last year. 

The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations were a major draw for US visitors, with data from Historic Royal Palaces (HRP), the group that oversees six royal palaces across London and the UK, revealing that visitors from the US made up 45% of total ticket sales for the iconic Tower of London in June, up 27% compared to pre-pandemic sales.3 According to STR data, London’s hotels saw their highest bookings in June 2022 since July 2019, with a reported 83.1% occupancy4.

The second half of 2022 is poised to continue to see strong visitor numbers from North America with lots of exciting events, festivals, exhibitions and cultural activities for visitors to look forward to. Travellers to London will be able to enjoy cultural and sporting events such as Frieze London, NFL in London, the London Marathon, and concerts by major artists such as Drake, KISS and Swedish House Mafia. Furthermore, London is set to welcome visitors to the city during the most festive time of the year, to partake in events such as Christmas at Kew, Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park, Hogwarts in the Snow at Warner Bros. Studio, the Great Christmas Pudding Race or shop at the many holiday markets and winter pop-ups around the city.

Laura Citron, CEO at London & Partners, which runs Visit London, said: “London has been brimming with energy and excitement and it’s fantastic to see visitors from all around the world returning to our city. So far, 2022 has been a massive year for London which saw us celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, as well as the return of major sporting events, festivals, theatre shows and our world-class museums and galleries. We’re seeing a huge pent-up demand for North American travellers to visit London this fall and winter, with lots of opportunities for visitors to enjoy some of our world-leading cultural and festive activities for the rest of this year.”

More Flight Options for Visitors from North America

A number of airlines have recently launched new air routes to London making a visit to the city an even easier trip to plan for many. In June, British Airways became the first airline to offer a direct route to London from Portland adding a new route for visitors from the west coast. British Airways also resumed flights from Pittsburgh and San Jose to cater to increased demand. In the first week of August JetBlue flew its inaugural flight from Boston to London. Meanwhile, United Airlines also launched a new Boston to London route in March while increasing frequency of flights to London from Newark, Denver and San Francisco after data showed that London was one of the most booked international destinations, particularly amongst business clientele. In November 2022 Virgin Atlantic will launch its new Tampa to London route just in time for the holiday season. According to the latest flight data, on average there are over 100 flights a day from the US to London5.

Luxury Hotel Openings Hint Towards London’s Lasting Appeal

Major events and happenings such as Frieze London, Wimbledon and London Fashion Week draw affluent travellers who seek out luxury accommodations so it should come as no surprise that a number of luxury hotel brands are opening new hotels in London. One of the most anticipated hotel openings this year is the Raffles London at the OWO which is set to open in late 2022. The former Old War Office on Whitehall has undergone a renovation that will include 120 rooms, 85 residences and 11 bars and restaurants, including a rooftop restaurant and bar with views of The Mall and Buckingham Palace. Also slated to open later in the year Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group announced a new hotel in London’s Mayfair. In addition to a new Mandarin Oriental, the affluent neighbourhood of Mayfair is set to welcome two additional new hotels in 2023. The long-anticipated 1 Hotel is slated to open its doors in 2023 with a mission-driven, sustainability-focused design. This year St. Regis Hotels & Resorts announced it will open its first hotel in London with the new property in Mayfair set to open its doors in 2023.

 For additional destination and travel information, please go to visitlondon.com

640,000 passengers passed through from London City Airport over June and July

As the summer getaway commenced, London City served 640,000 passengers across June and July and remains on course to reach the 3 million mark by the end of the year.

August is also set to be busy, with over 300,000 passengers expected to travel as the airport closes in on one million passengers for the core summer travel months.

With the airport teams fully staffed since the start of the getaway, London City has delivered a consistently high level of customer service and continues to, on average, get passengers from the DLR to their gate lounge inside 25 minutes.

London City is also urging passengers who are booked to travel in August to turn up no more than 2 hours before their flight and to be prepared for security in order to make the experience as smooth and as stress free as possible for everyone.

While the UK Government’s slot amnesty resulted in small changes to the airport schedule, London City’s operation has been largely unaffected through August and airlines have some remaining capacity on key domestic and short-haul European routes.

With the airport welcoming almost 70% of its 2019 passenger numbers over the same period, the staples of Amsterdam, Edinburgh and Zurich remained the busiest overall routes. However, Ibiza has been the strongest leisure performer, followed by Florence, Palma, Nice and Malaga.

Commenting on the results the Airport’s Chief Executive, Robert Sinclair, said:  “We have made a conscious effort with our airlines to attract more leisure routes and passengers this summer and the fact we could reach close to 1 million passengers for the period is testament to the resilience of our operation and quality of the passenger experience we offer. For anybody considering a last-minute getaway, we would love to welcome them at London City.

Let’s Do London.............

The latest chapter of the Let’s Do London tourism campaign encourages people across the UK to return to the capital.            

Mayor encourages visitors to make the most of the chance to experience the capital’s cultural gems and unique attractions as data shows footfall in the West End is still nearly a quarter lower than before the pandemic.          

London & Partners and the Mayor of London joined forces with London’s tourism industry to launch the latest stage of the Let’s Do London campaign to encourage visitors from around the UK back to the capital following the pandemic.

The new campaign is encouraging people from across the UK to visit and make the most of the capital’s cultural gems and unique attractions.

Data from Springboard shows that footfall across the West End this year is 24 per cent down compared to 2019, before the pandemic. 

The latest chapter of the Let’s Do London campaign aims to attract audiences outside of London to the capital, with the launch of adverts across TV, radio and social media.

Led by London’s business growth and destination agency, London & Partners, this £2m phase of the Mayor’s campaign will encourage people across the country to visit and stay overnight in London by shining a spotlight on the capital’s wide range of attractions and entertainment.

Prior to the pandemic, London was the third most visited city on the planet, with a thriving tourism sector accounting for as many as one in five jobs in London and contributing almost 12 per cent of the city’s gross domestic product.

Last year, the Mayor and London & Partners launched the biggest domestic tourism campaign the capital had ever seen – Let’s Do London – to encourage visitors back to the capital. This brought in an additional £81m in spending and 330,000 overnight visitors to the capital.

Earlier this year, the Mayor and London & Partners extended this campaign across the world when he launched in New York the largest international tourism campaign the city has ever seen. It includes £7m to encourage international tourists back to London, £2m to attract overnight UK visitors and £1m for reaching out to Londoners.

2022 has already been an exceptional year for the capital with The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations, the 50th Anniversary of Pride in London, the Wimbledon Championships and the opening of the pioneering ABBA Voyage show at a custom-made theatre in Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.

This fantastic entertainment will continue throughout the summer with the UEFA Women’s EURO championship at Brentford and Wembley, a series of special events to mark the 25th anniversary of Shakespeare’s Globe, and the return of Notting Hill Carnival and the Formula-E London Grand Prix.

The Elizabeth Line has also opened this summer, giving visitors a new high-speed route between east and west London.

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: “London is the greatest city in the world, with incredible cultural attractions, unique experiences and adventures to enjoy for a wide range of budgets. This fantastic tourism offer helps to drive our economy by supporting businesses and jobs across the capital.

“I’m proud that my Let’s Do London campaign has already helped to bring backs hundreds of thousands of tourists back to London, but I am determined to show even more people across the country and the rest of the world that our capital is ready to welcome them.”

Laura Citron, CEO of Visit London said: “It’s been great to welcome visitors from across the UK to London – they have been so important to London’s tourism, hospitality and culture businesses over the tough pandemic years. We are building on that, inviting visitors from across the UK to keep visiting their capital. Brits don’t have to go abroad to experience the thrills of a diverse, global city – London is a train ride away. Tourism is vital to London’s economy, so it’s important that we continue to promote London as a top visitor destination for both UK and international visitors. We’re excited to work with our industry partners to launch the next phase of the ‘Let’s Do London’ campaign.”

Kate Nicholls OBE, CEO of UKHospitality said: “The diverse and wonderful reasons for visiting London are as strong and plentiful as ever, so it’s only right that, while inbound tourism makes its recovery, domestic holidaymakers get to experience London while it is a little more accessible than most summer seasons. With the brand new Elizabeth Line, our attractions open and a dazzling events calendar to plan around, there’s perhaps no better time to come to the capital.”

Merlin Entertainments Midway UK Marketing Director & Chair of the London Recovery Board Marketing Directors Group Sara Holt said: “Merlin is delighted that the Mayor continues to support London businesses with this vital campaign and that we can support by bringing industry together to contribute. Last year’s campaign drove an unprecedented return on investment and helped protect thousands of jobs in the tourism and hospitality sectors. 

The international tourism industry in London is still some way from being recovered and with the current cost of living crisis, we need to do all we can to continue highlighting to domestic visitors why there has never been a better time to visit our marvellous city. We can’t wait to welcome our domestic guests to our iconic attractions The lastminute.com London Eye, Madame Tussauds London, The London Dungeon and SEA LIFE London Aquarium this summer"

Bernard Donoghue OBE, Director, Association of Leading Visitor Attractions (ALVA) said: “The ‘Let’s Do London’ campaign has been a huge success and has reminded people in this country just how diverse and spectacular London is. They’ve been incited to explore all that London has to offer and our tourism businesses, from galleries to theatres, heritage sites and performance venues, have loved hosting our visitors after a couple of years of absence. There’s still so more to see and do and, before our overseas visitors return in record numbers, now’s the best time to fulfil that wish list of best things to do and see in London. You’re welcome, you’re invited and we’d love to see you.”

Ros Morgan, CEO of Heart of London Business Alliance said: “We welcome the Mayor of London’s campaign to continue to draw tourists back to the city. After a difficult few years, we’re here to remind people what the West End has to offer, including our world-class hotels, bars, theatres, galleries, shops and restaurants. We are very proud of our recovery to date and look forward to welcoming more and more visitors back this summer.”

See below for some great places to stay in London........

London City Airport scoops ACI Europe digital transformation award

London City Airport recognised for pioneering Digital Air Traffic Control Tower project

European award notes the successful cross-industry partnership working with NATS, SAAB and CAA as integral

LCY receives the award at the 32nd Annual ACI Europe Congress in Rome

 

Fresh from being named by the Daily Telegraph as the best airport in the UK, last night, and our favourite, London City Airport was awarded the Digital Transformation Award at the 32nd ACI Europe Annual Congress in Rome.

The award was in recognition for the design, delivery, and operational success of the pioneering Digital Air Traffic Control Tower, which has been fully operational at London City since January 2021.

Unlike most airports, air traffic control is provided by a digital system, which sees 14 high-definition cameras and sensors mounted on a landside mast at the airport that provide a 360-degree view of the airfield. This is all relayed through super-fast fibre connections to a new control room in NATS’ air traffic control centre in Swanwick.

The judges, which included representatives from ACI Europe and SESAR, noted the swift deployment of the project and the close partnership working between the airport, NATS, SAAB, and the CAA, as well as engagement with important airline and local community stakeholders. The category was open to all European airports and London City received the award in Rome, the home of the 2021 winners Aeroporti di Roma, who were recognised for their brand-new digital Airport Operations System and Innovation Hub.

Commenting on the award, the airport’s Chief Operating Officer, Alison FitzGerald said:  “This project goes back to 2016 and I want to pay tribute to everyone involved in getting it approved by our regulators, as well as built, operationally ready and prepared for a busy summer ahead.

This recognition also speaks to the strength of the relationship we have built with NATS over the years, and I am hopeful that there is, even more, we can achieve together, helping us both to lead the way in making our industry safer, more sustainable and cutting edge.”

 

Looking ahead to the summer, the airport is set to connect to 36 destinations across the UK and Europe, including LCY only routes with San Sebastian via British Airways on July 8th and Deauville via l’Odyssey.

The airport is fully staffed for the summer getaway and will continue to offer the fast, convenient airport experience, which it is known for.

Air101: London City Airport has become the first major international airport in the world to be fully controlled by a remote digital air traffic control tower

Air101: London City Airport....adapting to the digital tower......

Air101: New London City Airport community programme

Air101: London City Airport surpasses 1 million passengers after busy May

London City Airport

London City Airport surpasses 1 million passengers after busy May

Photo London City Airport

Following two years of passenger numbers below the 1 million mark, London City today announced that it has surpassed that milestone and are confident of finishing the year close to three million.

 

This follows a very successful May where the airport welcomed 290,000 travellers, representing 65% of 2019 numbers for the same period. There were also very few cancellations in the month with airlines operating 98% of their schedules and delivering the best on-time performance of any London airport.

Amsterdam remained the most popular route but – ahead of the Platinum Jubilee weekend – a number of leisure routes proved popular, including Florence, Ibiza, Nice and Malaga. For the Jubilee weekend itself, the airport saw a spike of inbound bookings from Edinburgh, Luxembourg, Zurich, as well as from Amsterdam.

290,000 passengers fly from London City Airport in May, up from 256,000 the previous month

Leisure routes proving popular, particularly Florence, Ibiza and Nice

Nine new routes to commence in June, including Thessaloniki, Barcelona and Guernsey

Total passenger volumes for 2022 already 29% up 2021’s end of year total

Photo London City Airport

The number of summer leisure routes from London City is set to swell in June with nine new destinations being added to the departure board over the next three weeks. 

This includes a brand-new route to Thessaloniki in northern Greece and the return of direct services to Barcelona and Guernsey.

In addition, LCY summer staples of Mahon, Santorini, Split, Quimper and Skiathos will also commence from mid-June. For those seeking a domestic getaway, flights to Jersey will also restart. 

Commenting on the results and looking ahead to the summer, the Airport’s Chief Executive Officer, Robert Sinclair, said: “We are not only pleased to see the continued strength of the recovery in passenger volumes, but also by the way in which our operation has performed over this period. 

Despite a big increase in flights and passengers along with our airline partners, we have continued to deliver our market-leading passenger proposition of speed, convenience and on-time performance – something which I know has been really welcomed by our customers. 

With flights to 36 domestic and European destinations, we are fully resourced and focused on ensuring we deliver the best experience for all our passengers over what promises to be a really special summer period.”

Photo London City Airport

Cool places to stay near London City Airport....

A four-star riverside stay by Canary Wharf

Situated on the east bank of the Thames, the four-star New Providence Wharf hotel is an expression of contemporary luxury opposite the world-famous O2 Arena, just 20 minutes from the ExCel Centre and London City Airport. 

Seasonal British cuisine, indulgent afternoon tea and Sunday roast is served in the riverside restaurant Scoff & Banter, providing stunning views of the Thames through the floor-to-ceiling windows.  

For a complete escape, the hotel’s tranquil East River Spa offers indulgent treatments with ESPA products as well as a sauna, steam room and 24-hour gym.

Crowne Plaza London Docklands hotel offers stylish accommodation a six-minute walk from the ExCeL London exhibition centre. London City Airport is a 10-minute cab ride from the hotel. The O2 arena is 15 minutes away by the Emirates Air Line cable car over the Thames, and Royal Victoria DLR station is only five minutes walk away. From there, trains can whisk you to Canary Wharf in 15 minutes or to Bank station in The City in 25 minutes.

Crowne Plaza London Docklands

A modern recently built Holiday Inn Express London -ExCeL hotel is conveniently located in the heart of East London with excellent transport links to Canary Wharf and London attractions suited for Business or Leisure stays. This stunning property boasts 204 bedrooms, three meeting rooms. Every guest staying will have a complimentary buffet breakfast included in their stay, restaurant offers a 24-hour menu and Alfresco dining on the terrace. The hotel has onsite car/van parking facilities with no height restrictions with up to 60 spaces, we recommend registration with a reception to avoid penalties. The hotel is just a stone’s throw away from iconic venue ExCeL centre, within walking distance to London City Airport or under 5 minutes cab drive, 200 metres walking distance is the Docklands Light Railway - Royal Albert has direct links to Canary Wharf, London City and direct connections to Canning Town underground station and is perfectly located in the heart of all that East London has to offer.

Holiday Inn Express London - ExCeL

More on London City.....

 

Air101: Best airport in Britain has record month.....

Air101: London City Airport....adapting to the digital tower......

Wembley Park to host exciting all day festival for the Platinum Jubilee

To mark Her Majesty the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, London’s most exciting new neighbourhood, Wembley Park, will be transformed into a huge street party for the Jubilee Dance Party on Saturday 4th June 2022.

 

With five stages of live acts, DJs and dance leaders, alongside dedicated family zones and plenty of street food options, Wembley Park welcomes everyone wanting to soak up the party atmosphere and share the jubilation, as well as those keen to throw some shapes on the dancefloor.

This free to attend festival, organised and hosted by Wembley Park, will not only celebrate the 70th anniversary of the accession of Queen Elizabeth II but also honour the cultural diversity of Brent through dance styles from around the world – representing one of the most diverse boroughs in the UK.

The main stage will be located in front of the new Olympic Steps, the main entrance to the iconic Wembley Stadium. Additional stages will be spread across the whole Olympic Way, turning London’s world-renowned walkway into a giant, all-day playground for adults and children.

The stages will hold classes for all ages and abilities and showcase different dance styles throughout the day, each with deep connections with both the UK and the local community. One stage will feature live bands and day-long family shows.

Adorned with decorations and packed with family-friendly activities including face painters, bubbleologists and circus acts, as well as stilt walkers, street dancers, pavement artists, Wembley Park will be London’s most exciting street party for non-dancers and dancers alike.

To complement the music and dance stages alongside the street performers, there will be dedicated, interactive areas with selfie stations and photo booths. A giant photo wall will unveil a portrait of Queen Elizabeth II, digitally generated with photos taken by festivalgoers throughout the day.

Josh McNorton, Cultural Director, Wembley Park said: “We are delighted to be celebrating the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee by transforming London’s most exciting new neighbourhood into a street party for the Jubilee Dance Party on 4th June. We invite all ages and abilities to join us for the party, to enjoy the live music and join in the wide range of artistic and family-friendly activities.”

 Free lessons, taught by professional dancers, will be offered for each dance style followed by a group social dance. Live bands and DJ’s will provide the perfect acoustic backdrop with some of London’s top dance schools and their students also participating in the festivities.

 

Eye-catching street art, including a new, basketball court-sized street mural designed by renowned street artist Lois O’Hara, will add extra sparkle to the party, while outdoor picnic tables will allow visitors to eat and drink from over 20 street food traders and three bars at BOXPARK Wembley, nestled between all the stages and activity areas.  For those looking to just sit and soak up the atmosphere, ample seating, fountains and water features will be available around Wembley Park to relax and enjoy the day.

 

Located just 12 minutes from central London by tube, Wembley Park’s easy accessibility means that the Jubilee Dance Party can be enjoyed by all. Those living in the neighbourhood, in the 3,250+ apartments managed by Quintain Living, are already gearing up for the big day, with free dance lessons from professional instructors. Wembley Park will also be organising free dance lessons and workshops for schools in the local area as part of the celebrations.

For more information please visit https://www.wembleypark.com/jubileedanceparty or follow on Instagram or Facebook. 

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London’s most exciting new neighbourhood to hold day-long Jubilee Dance Party festival on 4th June 2022

To mark Her Majesty the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, London’s most exciting new neighbourhood, Wembley Park, will be transformed into a huge street party for the Jubilee Dance Party on Saturday 4th June 2022.

 

With five stages of live acts, DJs and dance leaders, alongside dedicated family zones and plenty of street food options, Wembley Park welcomes everyone wanting to soak up the party atmosphere and share the jubilation, as well as those keen to throw some shapes on the dancefloor.

This free to attend festival, organised and hosted by Wembley Park, will not only celebrate the 70th anniversary of the accession of Queen Elizabeth II but also honour the cultural diversity of Brent through dance styles from around the world – representing one of the most diverse boroughs in the UK.

The main stage will be located in front of the new Olympic Steps, the main entrance to iconic Wembley Stadium. Additional stages will be spread across the whole Olympic Way, turning London’s world-renowned walkway into a giant, all-day playground for adults and children.

The stages will hold classes for all ages and abilities and showcase different dance styles throughout the day, each with deep connections with both the UK and the local community. One stage will feature live bands and day-long family shows.

Adorned with decorations and packed with family-friendly activities including face painters, bubbleologists and circus acts, as well as stilt walkers, street dancers, pavement artists, Wembley Park will be London’s most exciting street party for non-dancers and dancers alike.

To complement the music and dance stages alongside the street performers, there will be dedicated, interactive areas with selfie stations and photo booths. A giant photo wall will unveil a portrait of Queen Elizabeth II, digitally generated with photos taken by festivalgoers throughout the day.

Josh McNorton, Cultural Director, Wembley Park said: “We are delighted to be celebrating the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee by transforming London’s most exciting new neighbourhood into a street party for the Jubilee Dance Party on 4th June. We invite all ages and abilities to join us for the party, to enjoy the live music and join in the wide range of artistic and family-friendly activities.”

 Free lessons, taught by professional dancers, will be offered for each dance style followed by a group social dance. Live bands and DJ’s will provide the perfect acoustic backdrop with some of London’s top dance schools and their students also participating in the festivities.

 

Eye-catching street art, including a new, basketball court-sized street mural designed by renowned street artist Lois O’Hara, will add extra sparkle to the party, while outdoor picnic tables will allow visitors to eat and drink from over 20 street food traders and three bars at BOXPARK Wembley, nestled between all the stages and activity areas.  For those looking to just sit and soak up the atmosphere, ample seating, fountains and water features will be available around Wembley Park to relax and enjoy the day.

 

Located just 12 minutes from central London by tube, Wembley Park’s easy accessibility means that the Jubilee Dance Party can be enjoyed by all. Those living in the neighbourhood, in the 3,250+ apartments managed by Quintain Living, are already gearing up for the big day, with free dance lessons from professional instructors. Wembley Park will also be organising free dance lessons and workshops for schools in the local area as part of the celebrations.

For more information please visit https://www.wembleypark.com/jubileedanceparty or follow on Instagram or Facebook. 

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The Curling Club is sliding and gliding into London this winter......

London will be transported from inner-city concrete jungle to the European headiness of the Alps by The Curling Club. In two iconic locations, The Curling Club is bringing flamboyancy, frolics and festivities to The Langham, London from 20th November - 20th February 2022 and in Finsbury Square from 1st to 19th December 2021. The Curling Club will be a once in lifetime event for you, your friends, colleagues and business networks.

Drenched in après-ski vibes, the glistening pistes of the Alps will now lie in Finsbury Square and The Langham, some of the most iconic and legendary locations in London. Attendees at both locations will be joined by current Team GB Skip and 3 time Olympian, Eve Muirhead MBE, who will be on hand to glide party-goers to a clean sweep. With curling rinks at both venues, the quintessentially British sport will be played in short form, allowing people from all backgrounds to try and conquer this suspenseful game. Competitive socialising at its most masterful, The Curling Club is open to corporate bookings as well as the general public.

Situated in a spectacular courtyard, The Curling Club will transform The Langham into a festive wonderland complete with entertainment and alpine infused street-food. From January 2022, The Curling Club will welcome guests to a winter-sport city escape celebrating the Winter Olympics and continuing the alpine, après-ski vibe. There will be three ice rinks in the courtyard, allowing groups of six to take part in the game at any one time. Fully customisable and the ability to host groups from as small as six people to 150, The Curling Club presents an opportunity to be part of an unforgettable bespoke experience. Guests are invited to attend every day from midday until 10 pm.

 

The second location for the pop-up is Finsbury Square, London which has a 500 person capacity and 10 curling rinks, allowing groups of eight. Open every day from midday until 11 pm and conveniently located near Moorgate Tube Station, The Curling Club will be the ideal destination for festive party bookings. Catering for groups of all sizes, guests will be treated to wintery drinks, alpine infused street food, DJs and magicians.

The best views of London.............

The capital city of England and the United Kingdom, London is a thriving cosmopolitan centre and business giant, operating 24 hours a day. With its rich history dating back to Roman times, London is littered with major tourist attractions, landmarks and hidden gems for all the family.

The city is separated into 33 districts, comprehensively covered by the famous London Underground - the perfect way to get around and take in all the world-famous sights. Major highlights include: The Houses of Parliament and Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, The London Eye, St. Paul's Cathedral and leading museums and art galleries. Remarkable history and culture make London the ideal European city break.

The International Hotel

Situated on the water’s edge in Canary Wharf, the International Hotel is a modern, glass-fronted building close to the internationally famous business district. It has superb views over the London skyline. Whether you’re looking for a hotel in London for business or leisure, the International Hotel offers a prime location and fantastic value for money.

The hotel has two on-site restaurants, Jenny’s Restaurant and the Overstuffed Pizzeria. You’ll be able to tuck into a delicious breakfast, with lunch and dinner catered for too. There are also two on-site bars, where you can enjoy a hot or cold beverage with a little snack to keep you going before dinner! The spacious en-suite bedrooms include a TV and tea and coffee making facilities. Bedrooms on the upper floors provide spectacular views of the Thames and the London skyline. There is on-site car parking (chargeable), Wi-Fi is free in public areas and the hotel provides a 24-hour reception for your convenience.

The Britannia Hampstead Hotel

This charming London hotel is situated within walking distance of Hampstead Village and its designer shops, continental café bars, restaurants, Roundhouse Music Venue and the famous Primrose Hill.

All 135 rooms at the Britannia Hampstead Hotel have TVs, trouser presses and a complimentary newspaper, as well as tea/coffee-making facilities. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout all public areas.

This Hampstead Hotel has a gorgeous conservatory restaurant, serving a delicious international menu and breakfast buffet, whilst the adjoining bar, hosting an outside terrace, serves drinks and light snacks to be enjoyed al fresco.

The Britannia Hampstead Hotel is within easy reach of all major transport links, allowing access to London's famous attractions, such as The London Zoo and Lord’s Cricket Ground. For football, concert and events lovers, Wembley Stadium and Arena are only half an hour away on the Jubilee line, making this a popular hotel in London.

JetBlue starts its long awaited service to London......

Eagerly Anticipated London Flights Connect New York City with the Largest Market Previously Unserved by JetBlue

Reimagined Mint® Premium Experience and Enhanced Core Service Set to Elevate Flying Across the North Atlantic for Every Customer Onboard

JetBlue Offsetting CO2 Emissions on London Flights and Partnering with U.K.-Based Non-Profits

New York’s Hometown Airline – has started its long-awaited transatlantic service from its JFK home base to London's Heathrow airport. 

The first flight touched down at Heathrow just before 10 o’clock this morning, local time and promises to be a major shakeup in the transatlantic market.   With a new service in the United Kingdom, JetBlue now operates in 26 countries.

“For the first time in JetBlue’s 21-year history we are crossing the North Atlantic and competing in one of the busiest travel markets in the world, well-positioned to introduce our award-winning service and low fares to a new global audience that is ready for a fresh choice in transatlantic flying,” said Robin Hayes, chief executive officer, JetBlue. “With JetBlue now connecting New York and London, travellers finally have the ability to enjoy low fares while also experiencing superior service. As the U.K. opens to travellers coming from America, our flights are well-timed to meet the pent up demand for travel between our two countries. We look forward to welcoming U.K. travellers to the U.S. soon and launching service between Boston and London next year.”

“I want to congratulate JetBlue on its inaugural transatlantic flight to London and wish all the crew and customers a safe and pleasant journey,” said Dame Karen Pierce DCMG, U.K. Ambassador to the U.S. “As vaccinated Americans can now come to the U.K. without the need to quarantine, this route will offer more Americans a path to doing business, holidays and family reunions in the U.K. Today's flight quite literally takes our Special Relationship to new heights!”

“The JetBlue route launch between New York and London is not only a most welcomed service to build on the transatlantic market, but the additional accessibility between the two destinations will be an essential player in reigniting international travel,” said Paul Gauger, senior vice president, The Americas, VisitBritain. “It is no surprise that there is a huge appetite from Americans to return to Britain, and with the recent announcement regarding the quarantine lift for double vaccinated Americans, we are ready to safely welcome them back to experience the bustling city of London and beyond, from our picturesque villages, breath-taking countryside and captivating coasts.

Destination London comes to London City Airport - public art at its best.....

London City Airport has unveiled its first-ever public art commission – Destination London, by the critically acclaimed East London artist, Anne Hardy. This unique work, located in the West Pier arrivals corridor, will greet millions of international visitors as passengers return to the airport and London reopens to the world. The commission, which will be in place for two years, transmits a message of optimism and positivity from nature, providing a unique welcome to the Royal Docks and its diverse and vibrant cultural scene as City Airport once again connects travellers from across the globe to the heart of London.

 

Curated by The Line, East London’s public art walk running between Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and The O2, Destination London aims to communicate a vivid sense of the layered histories of London, expressed through the diverse but often overlooked botanical life found around London City Airport.

Presented as a series of imagined and atmospheric landscapes through a sequence of 4 large photograms, the works are made with a cameraless technique in a darkroom through the manipulation of light and materials on paper.

Visitors will encounter the rich flora found by Anne Hardy at London City Airport, on the airfield and from the original dock side, as well as in the wild spaces of Bow Creek and the exotic species to be found in nearby urban gardens and allotments.

New and exciting season of hotel openings in London ahead....

1-5 Grosvenor Place - The Peninsula London 

As the vaccine roll out picks up pace across the UK and the government creates a path to safe recovery, London’s MICE industry is getting ready to reopen with a host of new hotel openings and venue refurbishments underway.

The city is set to see a number of highly anticipated hotels open their doors this year, as hotel operators show strong appetite for increasing hotel capacity across the city in expectation of an uptick in bookings when it is safe to do so. Venues and hotels in London have also undergone a number of redevelopments and new investments over the past year.

Worth £23bn to London’s economy and £70bn across the UK1, the events industry has a vital role to play in London and the wider UK’s economic recovery. While the UK capital awaits the return of business events and travellers to the city, venues and hotels have been investing in smart stages and hybrid event studios, undertaking refurbishments, increasing sustainability measures, and getting ready for new openings.

View and download 2021, event planner here.