Hilton has signed the DoubleTree by Hilton Derry-Londonderry, marking the brand’s debut in the city, as part of a franchise agreement with the longstanding owners of the City Hotel. Set to open in 2025 following an extensive refurbishment, the 158-room hotel will be managed by Focus Hotels and will have a bar and restaurant, ballroom, seven meeting rooms, onsite parking and a wellness club with swimming pool.
FCM Meetings & Events has promoted Henry Jones to the role of Global Marketing Leader. Jones spent the last eight years with Flight Centre Travel Group, working across multiple brands and several regions including the UK and Canada, supporting the launch of Corporate Traveller’s Melon product. He was most recently Head of Marketing for FCM Travel Asia based out of Singapore and has overseen the expansion of marketing efforts into China with the launch of The FCM Platform China, launched FCM Japan and incorporated India into the region. In his new role, he will manage FCM M&E marketing and communications strategy, including bringing the division’s product suite to market and driving the global brand strategy as FCTG invests heavily in this space.
Access Bookings, the specialist in international travel management for the TV, film, media, and sports industries, has promoted Lee Gunn to Chief Operating Officer (COO). Gunn joined the company as an apprentice in August 2008 while working towards his accounting qualification and has expanded his skill set through continued studies and comprehensive training under the mentorship of the Access Bookings’ senior management team, which included secondments through all departments within the business.
veSpace, a global sourcing and event management company, has appointed Josephine Bradley as its new Marketing Director. This newly-created role will support the company’s strategic brand vision and ambitious growth plans. Bradley returns to veSpace having previously spent 11 years with the agency, most recently as Commercial Director. She spent the last four years as Account Director at StaySafe; part of EcoOnline – a Health and Safety provider.
ATPI‘s Managing Director US has been recognised as an honouree in a female-led awards list. Judy Peplinski (nicknamed J.P.), Chief Commercial Officer – ATPI Energy Division & Managing Director, US, has been chosen as an Outstanding Business Leader in Energy in the 2024 Women Who Mean Business honouree list. Her work includes the creation of a first-of-its-kind specialised visa and immigration company, Total Visa Solutions (TVS) in 2009 to address the complex visa and immigration needs for travellers working offshore internationally. Throughout her career, J.P. has shown her credentials as a subject matter expert in marine and energy-related travel.
The Hotel Maria has been inducted into Historic Hotels Worldwide, a prestigious global collection of iconic upper-upscale and luxury historic inns, hotels, and resorts. Originally built as a neo-Renaissance style historical landmark between 1885 and 1930, The Hotel Maria has undergone meticulous restoration and reimagination. Under the stewardship of Samla Capital, the hotel, which debuted in December 2023, has 117 rooms, including 38 lavish suites, two restaurants, a grand ballroom, a chapel, a state-of-the-art spa, and a boutique featuring Finnish designs and Faberge jewelry.
