Windsors tie the knot
This week's Royal Wedding will have an enormous impact on hospitality, says Peter Hancock. So we should all celebrate and reap the rewards
Whatever your personal attitude towards Britain's monarchy, the Royal Wedding is certainly a talking point. It ignites strong feelings, both from the institution's admirers and detractors. It has generated acres of newsprint and hours of film.
Having been lucky enough to meet and dine with the Prince of Wales a couple of years ago I have definitely fallen under the spell. A guy who could spend all day in bed if he so wished, chooses instead to work tirelessly for the disadvantaged through his web of charitable trusts in addition to a heavy schedule of official "royal" duties. His son is clearly made of the same stuff and both serve our country well as kings in waiting.
I'm not sure why the public are so fascinated by royalty - maybe it is the reassuring continuity, a connection with history that is still alive. And whereas you or I might spend our time worrying about next month's bills to pay, or our children's education, the landed aristocracy are thinking about the legacy they will pass on several generations ahead. Perhaps it is this perception of themselves as mere custodians that keeps royal feet on the ground but also makes them different from the rest of us.
So what does the wedding mean for the hospitality industry? A busy weekend in London, of course, and an extra public holiday. But these are tiny details compared with the global TV, online and print exposure it is generating. At last we're making news bulletins around the world for a positive reason. Compare the headline stories: Japan (devastating tsunami), Libya (civil uprising), Ireland (debt crisis), United Kingdom (nation takes new princess to its bosom). You don't need a degree in media studies to spot the one most likely to boost tourism.
And the wedding coincides with several other factors that can help us. The King's Speech has been a box office smash, Downton Abbey drew a massive TV audience, the National Trust - with whom we now work closely at Pride of Britain - has reinvented the way visitors are welcomed into its treasured houses. Little by little, the GB brand is getting its mojo back and we can all expect to benefit.
Next on the horizon is the Queen's Diamond Jubilee and a couple of sporting events that may have been mentioned on these pages before. Yet more publicity for this country falling into the "good news" category and a chance to show our hospitality skills to a bigger audience.
We already had the action and the camera. Now we've got the lights, too.