TOURISM & HOSPITALITY
Strength of tourism can power economic recovery HERTFORDSHIRE’S TOURISM INDUSTRY is one of its greatest assets. Located just 20 minutes from London by train but far away from the stresses of the big city, this picturesque, green County is brimming with exciting things to do and some great places to stay and explore.
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he Visit Herts website lists just a few of Hertfordshire’s finest attractions: St Albans Cathedral, Hatfield House, Knebworth House and Warner Bros Studio Tour London, where people can sample the magic of Harry Potter. For those seeking a glimpse of wild beasts or want to explore Roman ruins, sculpture gardens, traditional English villages and five-star luxury or boutique B&Bs, Hertfordshire is truly the place to be.
All of this attracts hundreds of visitors each year – and that means a lot of money floods into local businesses. According to the Hertfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP), the County’s visitor economy topped £2.4 billion for the first time ever in 2019, drawing in around 29 million visitors. An estimated £139 million was spent on average in the local economy each month as a direct result of the County’s tourism and hospitality industry.
“Our refurbishment and extension is based on the rich heritage and period glamour of the original Comet Hotel, hearkening back to this golden age of air travel, glamour and sleek design.”
ª The Comet Hotel is one of Hertfordshire’s most iconic buildings. It has been welcoming visitors for close to 100 years, so has firmly established its place in the hearts of the local community. After a multi-million-pound refit two years ago, it has been refurbished for the modern age and is now a unique
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combination of luxurious modernity, period features and refined glamour. Originally the hotel was named for the locally built de Havilland Comet DH.88 racing aeroplane, which had been developed specifically for the 1934 England Australia MacRobertson Air Race.
Philip Jenkins, general manager at the hotel, says: “Our refurbishment and extension is based on the rich heritage and period glamour of the original Comet Hotel, hearkening back to this golden age of air travel, glamour and sleek design. Beautiful period architecture, classic design and future-facing technology combine to create a welcoming and exciting environment, a genuine rebirth for Hatfield’s most iconic building.
