Britain's Most Admired Companies 2012: Leisure & Hotels
Competition is hotting up in the hospitality sector. These firms have brought in new technology, honed their product offerings and souped up their customer service offerings. The result: a top five sector showing.
Official hotel provider to the London Olympics, InterContinental Hotels Group – which owns the Holiday Inn brand, as well as the recently launched EVEN and Hualuxe Hotels – retains the sector’s top spot. CEO Richard Solomons puts IHG’s success down to the growing middle class in emerging markets and internet booking. Runner-up is Virgin Atlantic, whose CEO Steve Ridgway is leaving the company after 23 years in the hot seat. The airline recently opened up a route to Mumbai and is also due to launch its own short-haul operation, serving Manchester and Scotland. Coming third is Merlin Entertainments, owner of top flight attractions including Legoland, Madame Tussauds and the London Eye.
