As President & Founder of Strategic Vision, Peter Bates designs and implements targeted campaigns to build the profile and revenue for luxury brand leaders that include Meredith, Accor and Virtuoso.
Throughout his global sales and marketing career, Peter has served in a variety of roles, including senior executive and board positions with Cunard Line, based in the U.S.; Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group, based in Hong Kong; and the Savoy Group of Hotels in London. He was responsible for the re-branding of over 100 hotels throughout the U.K. under the Thistle Hotels brand and, earlier in his career, re-launched Scotland’s famous Gleneagles Hotel in Perthshire.
Based in New York, Peter consults and moderates events throughout the world with many well-known brands in the luxury marketplace, including publications, hotels, resorts and destinations. He is sought after for providing strategic business solutions, repositioning brands to meet today’s marketplace, and facilitating change to drive sales.
How will you be supporting the Walpole Trade Delegation to the US?
I am delighted to partner with Walpole to develop this year’s event which is planned to provide strategic insights into the US market and provide opportunities to support inbound tourism to the UK. THE ART OF BRITISH LUXURY HOSPITALITY will bring together leading British hoteliers and Walpole members with key travel advisors and media to discuss trends and strategy for the British luxury experience and industry.
What is your key piece of advice for British luxury brands looking to attract more luxury US travellers?
What makes British luxury hospitality so legendary is the commitment to delivering outstanding service in exceptional surroundings while maintaining its own unique style. However, luxury travel is changing as clients increasingly want to experiment with destinations to gain deeper and more authentic experiences, behind-the-scenes access and take part in unique offerings. To get ahead of changing trends hoteliers and hospitality leaders should consider shifting their focus to a wider range of compelling experiences.
Something to bear in mind: Millennials are a growing section of the international luxury travel market and according to recent Visit Britain research, about two thirds would visit Britain as a trip on its own. While London is a preferred location for a luxury stay, over a third of Millennials would visit other cities and 75% would take day trips from London.
Why is the US such an important market for UK Luxury?
In 2018, the United States overtook France to become the top travel market to the United Kingdom based on number of visits. US visitors to the UK continue to represent the top inbound tourism market by value, with nearly 4 million Americans visiting the UK in 2018 spending over £3 billion.
This plus a weaker pound makes the UK luxury market even more compelling destination for US visitors going forward.
What is your favourite bar or restaurant in NYC?
New York certainly has no shortage of wonderful and exciting restaurants to enjoy, but there is also something special about the hidden local gems that you discover in the neighborhoods of the city. One of my favorites is Il Posto. Located on 2nd street in the East Village, the home-made pastas are excellent and you can’t go wrong with any of the Italian red wines on the menu. The owners are lovely as well.
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