Check-In - December 2024
Written By
Of Counsel
UK
I am a member of the Real Estate Group at Bird & Bird. I have many years' experience in real estate transactions and I also lead Bird & Bird's international Hotels, Hospitality and Leisure team, specialising in the acquisition, development and disposal of all types of hotels, from budget to luxury and in the negotiation of hotel management agreements.
Helping you stay up to date with the latest news, trends and hot topics in the international Hotels, Hospitality & Leisure sector.
We are delighted to share the December 2024 edition of Check-In, Bird & Bird's newsletter for hotel, hospitality & leisure businesses.
This edition brings the latest in one of our regular features – “Employment Corner”(which covers “preparing to prevent” sexual harassment and what employers should be doing ahead of the new duty coming into force) as well as spotlights on MENA/UAE and Spain and other insightful articles.
It also gives details of our seasonal “treat" – the 21st webinar in our popular series co-hosted with AlixPartners, HVS and EP Business in Hospitality. This takes place on Tuesday 10 December and we have some fantastic speakers and panellists lined up to discuss; 'How the regulatory environment and Government policy are impacting the UK hotel market'.
Please get in touch if you would like to discuss any of the matters covered by these articles, or visit our webpage for more information about Bird & Bird's Hotels, Hospitality & Leisure team.
In this newsletter:
- Advertising & Marketing
- Artificial Intelligence
- Employment Corner
- ESG
- Real Estate
- Spotlight on MENA/UAE
- Spotlight on Spain
- News & Events
Advertising & Marketing
From likes to check-ins: a legal perspective on influencer marketing in the hotel sector
A comprehensive guide to influencer marketing for hotels, outlining how this cost-effective strategy can help hotels reach new and existing customers, drive direct bookings, and avoid fees from Online Travel Agencies. It explores how to select the perfect influencer partner, the importance of effective agreements, and the need for legal compliance. It also explores the potential of user-generated content for authentic marketing.
Author: Charlotte Getz
Artificial Intelligence
AI implementation in the German workforce: key considerations
This article delves into the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the German workforce, particularly focusing on the hospitality sector. It provides key considerations for this implementation, such as legal compliance, employee training, and the establishment of monitoring systems. It offers valuable insights and guidelines for businesses aiming to adopt AI while maintaining ethical standards. Discover how AI is set to transform the future of operations and customer experiences in hotels and beyond.
Author: Benjamin Karcher
Deploying AI in a hotel chain? How to mitigate privacy & digital regulatory risk
This article explores the deployment of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the hotel sector, focusing on how to identify and mitigate privacy and other digital regulatory risks in the EU and UK. It discusses the various opportunities that AI presents, including AdTech, sales, marketing, enhancing guest experience, and optimising operational efficiency. Also, the article outlines potential risks and offers tips for navigating AI legal risks.
Author: Heather Catchpole
Employment Corner
Employment Corner
In each edition of Check-In we explore the latest developments in Employment law and their importance to the Hotel, Hospitality & Leisure sector. In this edition, we look at “Preparing to prevent” sexual harassment and what employers should be doing ahead of the new duty coming into force.
On 26th October 2024, the Worker Protection (Amendment of Equality Act 2010) Act 2023 came into force, placing new, positive duties on employers in relation to prevention of sexual harassment of employees, including by third parties. For employers in the hospitality sector, with numerous staff in customer-facing roles, compliance with this duty may be particularly challenging. In this article, we take a look at updated guidance, how employers should determine “reasonable steps”, and what could come in the future.
Authors: Aimee Guzinska-Bowley, Alison Dixon
ESG
New energy performance of buildings regulations – what’s around the corner for the Hotel & Hospitality industry in England and Wales?
This article explores how new energy efficiency rules could impact the hotel and hospitality industry in England and Wales. These regulations are expected to become stricter over the next few years, and the new government's stance on these changes are still unclear.
Businesses failing to meet these standards could face significant penalties. However, there might be exceptions that could benefit some businesses. The article advises businesses to seek advice to navigate these changes. Read more to understand the full implications of these new regulations.
Author: Patrick Jones
Real Estate
German Bureaucracy Relief Act IV - Text form replaces written form in commercial leases in future
Starting 1 January 2025, the German Bureaucracy Relief Act IV (BEG IV) will significantly change the commercial lease market, including hotel leases, by abolishing the written form requirement for leases over a year. Aimed at facilitating digital contract conclusion, this reform also presents new uncertainties and challenges. Learn more about the implications of this new law in the full article.
Author: Jürgen Schlinkmann
Spotlight on MENA/UAE
Dubai Future Hospitality Summit and the Branded Residences sector in MENA & UAE
This article reports on the Future Hospitality Summit in Dubai, with a particular focus on the continued growth in the branded residences sector. It delves in to the benefits they offer to developers, brand owners, and investors, highlighting the high concentration of such residences in the Middle East and North Africa region, specifically the UAE, and predicts a continued growth trend in this sector.
Author: Eddie Chiu
Spotlight on Spain
Branded Residences in Spain – a new trend which has arrived to stay
Explore the booming luxury market in Spain through this insightful article, which highlights the rise of branded residences. Learn about the exclusive benefits these residences provide, the significance of their prime locations, and how legal security impacts investment. The article also features a podcast interview with a real estate expert for a deeper understanding of this luxury living trend in Spain.
Authors: Laura Sanchez, Conchita Sainz
News & Events
Key takeaways from the Annual Hospitality Conference in Manchester and the 2024 Expo Real Conference in Munich
This insightful article summarises key takeaways from two events: the Annual Hospitality Conference in Manchester and the 2024 Expo Real Conference in Munich. It discusses four main themes: Navigating Uncertainty in Hospitality and Real Estate, Real Estate & Hotel Finance, Adoption of AI in the Hospitality Sector, and Hospitality as a Career and Community Pillar. Read more to gain a comprehensive understanding of the current state and future trends of the hospitality and real estate sectors.
Webinar: How the regulatory environment and Government policy are impacting the UK hotel market
Join us for our next webinar on 10 December, co-hosted with HVS, AlixPartners, and EP Business in Hospitality. We'll explore the effects of recent regulations and policies on the hotel sector, covering everything from employees, property and supply chains to customer demand and inbound tourism.
This is a fantastic opportunity to hear from industry experts Kate Nicholls OBE (UKHospitality) and Rachael Farrington (VisitBritain) on these very topical issues. Kate and Rachael’s presentations will be followed by a panel discussion, moderated by Russell Kett (HVS. Our panellists will include Puneet Kanuga (EQ Hotels), Ed Odell (Flint Global), James Salford (Bird & Bird), Graeme Smith (AlixPartners), Emma Young (AIB Bank) and Peter Anscomb (Edwardian Group, London).
For more information & to RSVP - click here
