New Chair for Harrogate Hotels Association
Simon Cotton, General Manager of Cedar Court Hotel in
Harrogate, has been elected as Chairperson for the Harrogate
hoteliers association, Destination Harrogate. Previously
known as the A Group, the association has been in existence for 20
years and currently comprises thirteen Harrogate hotels whose aim
is to promote Harrogate as a leading destination for business and
holiday tourism.
The group works closely with Harrogate International Centre
and the Chamber of Trade, as well as other like-minded interest
groups such as Promote Harrogate, Dine Out and the Yorkshire Show
Ground. Simon takes over the Chair from Vince Johnson, General
Manager of the Majestic Hotel.
After a short stint in Nottingham and Hertfordshire, Simon
returned to Harrogate nearly four years ago to take up his position
with the Cedar Court hotel. During his two-year tenure as Chair of
Destination Harrogate Simon hopes to develop new promotional
activity targeting key decision makers in the meetings and
conferencing business to generate new events for the town. Simon
said, "Meetings and conferencing is an important part of our
businesses accounting for around 35-40% of members turnover. It's
vital we actively engage with new potential clients on an ongoing
basis if we are to maintain this level of activity".
Currently the Association is working on a town centre map to
be made available to hotel guests and delegates detailing all the
places of interest in the town as well as promoting tourism related
businesses. The map is the first to be used consistently throughout
the Association's members and the content has been developed
through visitor feedback. Website development is also another area
for continued growth.
Stuart Quin, Director of Harrogate International Centre, who
works in close partnership with Destination Harrogate said, "We're
fortunate in Harrogate to have such a close working relationship
with our hoteliers. Everyone benefits from the information exchange
at the association's meetings and feedback from event organisers,
delegates and guests is invaluable. Many initiatives have been
developed in partnership with Destination Harrogate and I know
Simon will continue to drive forward current and new projects with
great enthusiasm".
