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Metcalf, CTO of Access Hospitality and a small hotel owner, about how AI is streamlining operations, the challenges of outdated systems, and the impact of industry consolidation.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.

Austin’s Convention Centre is closing for a huge four-year overhaul. I check out how the city’s tackling it—ripping it down and rebuilding right on the spot, no temporary setup, a move no other U.S. city has tried. In this episode, I’m joined by Steve Genovesi from Visit Austin, keeping tourism steady, and Josh Delgado from the AT&T Hotel and Conference Centre, stepping up his venue as a go-to event space. We dive into how Austin’s hotels are teaming up to keep conventions rolling in the absence of a convention centre.

Austin’s not just hanging on—it’s pushing forward. With a buzzing tech world, a growing airport, and a $30 million hotel refresh, the hospitality scene is hustling to keep the industry alive. This is a real insight into a city that thrives on collaboration.

Travel Market Life is produced by Urban Podcasts.

This episode of Travel Market Life is recorded live at the International Hotel Technology Forum in Vila Mora, Portugal. While the weather might be rather grey, I’m joined by some of hospitality’s sharpest minds—Diogo Vaz Ferreira from Clink Hostels, Tiago Alves from Belmond, Rohit Mishra from Park Plaza, and Luis Martins from SHR. Together, we’re diving into how technology is shaking up the industry.

We’re talking about the big stuff: how automation saves time without ruining the guest vibe, the struggle of getting used to new tools, and keeping things personal in a world overflowing with digital noise. We discuss how hoteliers can streamline operations, cutting costs, and level up guest experiences.

Travel Market Life is produced by Urban Podcasts.

Are you ready for the major shake-up in employment law?

In this episode of Travel Market Life, we explore what these changes mean for travel and hospitality with expert Ami Naru, a 25-year veteran in travel employment law. We unpack the Employment Rights Bill, new flexible working rules, and a duty to tackle sexual harassment—with a 25% penalty hike if you don’t.

From practical tips to real-world challenges, this episode cuts through the noise to help you turn compliance into opportunity, no matter your business size.

Travel Market Life is produced by Urban Podcasts.

Have you ever wondered what it takes to turn a secondary city into a hospitality goldmine? I’m diving deep with Neetu Mistry, Chief Commercial Officer at Cycas Hospitality, who’s cracked the code on making hotels hum in places others might overlook.

Neetu’s a powerhouse—think commercial strategies for giants like Marriott, Hilton, and IHG under her belt—and she’s steering Cycas’ sprawling portfolio across the UK and Europe. In this episode we’re unpacking how to spark demand where it’s not obvious, like in Slough, where her team turned a pandemic-era launch into a community-driven success story.

If you’re into flipping the script on where hospitality can thrive, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss.

Travel Market Life is produced by Urban Podcasts.

Ready to unlock the secrets of affordable travel and get the most out of your next trip? In this episode, we’re sharing the ultimate travel hacks and strategies that’ll save you both money and headaches. Host Ryan Haynes is joined by regulars James Clark, Claire Steiner, and Will Plummer, along with expert Katie McClure from Jack’s Flight Club. Together, they’ll reveal how to snag unbeatable deals, make the most of loyalty points, and uncover hidden gems that’ll transform the way you travel.

Whether you’re planning a business trip, a dream vacation, or just want to level up your travel game, our practical tips will give you a fresh perspective on how to book your next journey like a pro.

Travel Market Life is produced by Urban Podcasts.