Gregor Ritchie, Director of Optimum Hotel Management and CEO of Luxury Leisure Group, has poured 18 years into keeping country house hotels alive with heart and soul. From his early days as a porter in a grand Stratford hotel, he’s fought to preserve these historic gems in a tough, ever-changing hospitality world, facing challenges like construction disputes for spa projects, pleasing high-net-worth owners, and tackling staff shortages amid rising costs.

Gregor shares his hard-earned wisdom on what keeps these hotels thriving. He swears by a tight-knit management team, weaving tech into the timeless charm of human connection, and boosting income through spas, leisure breaks, and quirky bookings—without letting OTAs eat the profits. He reveals how a clever refurb can lift room rates by £50 without touching a bedroom and why high-value guests are the lifeblood of independents.

Travel Market Life is produced by Urban Podcasts.

Hotels are racing into the tech age! AI makes check-ins fast and staff apps shine, while cloud tech is booming. Smart rooms? They’re not quite ready, and guests might not mind. At the International Hotel Technology Forum 2025, I sat down with leading voices sharing bold ways to boost bookings, simplify stays, and unlock data’s magic.

Here’s their take:

• James Lemon from Stripe: Simple payments win guests’ hearts every time.
• Michael McCartan from IDeaS RMS: Smart marketing skyrockets your profits.
• Frank Wagner from ACT International: Cloud tech and data unlock huge gains.
• Carsten Wernetfrom SIHOT: Slick tools deliver seamless guest stays.
• Markus Mueller from Gauvendi: Sell rooms like Amazon—crafted for each guest.

Expect top insights on how you can grow bookings, ease stays, and boost profits for your hotel.

Travel Market Life is produced by Urban Podcasts.

Technology is reshaping travel and hospitality in profound ways. In this episode of Travel Market Life, I am joined by with Andrew Metcalf, CTO of Access Hospitality and a small hotel owner, about how AI is streamlining operations, the challenges of outdated systems, and the impact of industry consolidation. James Clarke from TravelZoo shares their switch to cost-effective off-the-shelf tech, while Claire Steiner discusses how technology empowers neurodiverse talent and young innovators. Will Plummer explains AI’s role in preventing fraud.

Our conversation tackles big questions: Can independent hotels stay competitive? How do we preserve hospitality’s human essence amid advancing tech? It’s an honest look at an industry in transformation.

Travel Market Life is produced by Urban Podcasts.