Hospitality leaders to boost security protocols after Travelodge sex attack

A meeting attended by industry body UKHospitality, sector operators and government officials took place on Friday, in which industry plans to improve safety measures for hotel guests were outlined.

The meeting comes after Kyran Smith was jailed for seven and a half years after sexually assaulting a female guests in a Travelodge in Maidenhead, Berkshire.

The assault occurred after Smith lied to hotel staff about being the woman’s boyfriend and was subsequently given a key card to her room.

UKHospitality outlined industry plans to boost existing guidance with government ministers in light of the attack - with representatives "from across accommodation, short-term lets, bars, nightclubs and charities dedicated to tackling violence against women and girls" in attendance.

The meeting also outlined improved training and safety protocols to help hospitality firms to identify and report abuse, with support from Rape Crisis and Suzy Lamplugh Trust.

Further measures will be taken in consultation with UKHospitality’s members and in communication with the government.

UKHospitality chair Kate Nicholls said that guests’ safety is its "utmost priority" and a "responsibility that the entire hospitality sector takes incredibly seriously."

"It’s positive to hear recognition of the sector’s ongoing work in this area and it’s critical we work together to support our teams on the frontline, including the need to expand protections for retail staff to hospitality," she added.

Tourism minister Stephanie Peacock said: "It is vital that everyone, whether a visitor, a guest or a member of staff, feels safe and secure.

"I am encouraged by the ambition shown by businesses building on the work the sector is already doing to protect guests and visitors and look forward to seeing these further commitments translate into meaningful, measurable change."

Travelodge chief executive Jo Boydell added: "It was incredibly valuable to take part in this important discussion alongside government departments, our industry body UKHospitality, and sector peers to ensure the industry’s views were represented.

"Travelodge is fully committed to collaborating with the government, UKHospitality, and our peers to continuously strengthen safety, security and safeguarding standards across the wider tourism, hospitality and night-time economy sectors."