Introduction
This report will outline four historical developments, two for the hospitality sector and two for the transport sector. It will also include information on four different types of accommodation with features and facilities provided within them. Catering options will also be discussed and a description of relevant quality assurance schemes that do alongside my chosen accommodation and catering outlets.
Historical development for the transport industry
Stagecoach
The first stagecoach route in Edinburgh was formed in 1610. This route ran from Edinburgh to Leith. Stagecoaches offered relative comfort and could travel long distances. The development of the stagecoach routes was good and by the 17th century they ran up and down three main roads in England. The development of the stagecoach also had a positive impact on the mail service. Mail coaches were introduced by the end of the 18th century, riders could carry mail, passing it on till they reached their designated stop or drop off.
The stagecoach was named ‘stagecoach’ because journeys are made in stages and sections of time and not all at once. The stagecoach could be unreliable as it all depends on the state of the road and the weather conditions. If things didn’t go well the stagecoach was slow or often it couldn’t travel at all, making it unreliable.
As the development of stagecoaches continued and more routes were offered, the stagecoaches had a higher chance of being targeted and robbed by “highway men”. If the highway men were caught capital punishment would be brought in and the robbers would be hung.
The next development of stagecoaches was called the “flying coach” – using coaches with spring suspension. Making the journey from Liverpool to London in 3 days. The flying coach would be going 8 miles an hour.
When the railways developed the coaches couldn’t keep up with it, causing business and money from postal services to drop. By the mid 19th century nearly all coaches travelling to London were taken out of service.
Historical development for the transport industry
Railways
Railways were first introduced on February 21st 1804, where it was used to carry tons of iron and men nearly 10 miles away. Railways were invented by Richard Trevithick. He died before his creation could be developed but it was carried on and developed by others. In 1845 2,440 miles of railroad track was created and opened to the public.
In 1830 the Liverpool and Manchester railway opened. This railway was the first railway placed in the city. It was also the first railway to provide times of trains for people travelling.
Railways developed and more rail lines were built and developed. In the 1840s railways populated almost everywhere and were extremely easily accessed, with links provided by the end of the decade.
In the 1840s the rail links and networks were taken under control by the government to ensure that they were safe and reliable for the amount of people they were carrying on them. The rail network was also taken over to assist the first world war, helping people be transported out of harm way.
Historical development for the hospitality sector
Holiday Camps
A holiday camp is a type of holiday accommodation designed to allow visitors to stay in the site. It provides food, drink and accommodation for all guests.
At the start of the 20th century, camps were being built as huts for guest rooms and accommodation. The first ever Butlins camp was opened to guests in 1936by Billy Butlin. But Caister camp was said to be one of the first camps to ever open, now calling itself “the oldest established camp” opened in 1906. The camp was originally in Caister-on-sea, in Norfolk, but moved to Hopton-on-sea in 1925.
In the 1930s camps developed beyond what everyone expected they would.
For camps the “golden age” was in the 50s and 60s after the war as people wanted to get away when the war ended. The prices in holiday camps were also very reasonable, meaning more people were able to go.
Holiday camps grew quicker and became more popular in the late 40s and 50s. This happened because the war had finished using them for military supplies and camps. Meaning after the war they could be made back into holiday camps.
Overall the development of holiday camps continued after the first world war was over as a lot of people hadn’t been away and on holiday for years and it was a cheap place that could offer everything at arm length.
Historical development for the hospitality industry
Hotels
The first ever hotel was in London which opened in 1769, named The Royal Clarence Hotel, in Exeter. This hotel first started out as a railway hotel. In 1916 this hotel opened the first cocktail bar, named the Zodiac Bar, it was later changed to the Bishop Bar before closing in the 1980s. During the industrial revolution in the 1760s hotels were allowed to build everywhere, usually starting at seaside resorts e.g. Blackpool and Brighton.
The first city hotel was located in New York City. The first hotel to open in London was the Royal Hotel, built at the start of the 18th century. During 1898 one of the most famous and popular hotels opened in London, named The Savoy, being the first ever hotel to offer en-suit rooms.
During the late 1800s spa hotels were first introduced. Railway hotels were next and popular when they first opened. The first railway hotel in Scotland being the North British Hotel and now renamed to The Caledonian.
♣ The Holt Hotel in New York City was first ever to provide a lift for guest luggage.
♣ In the 20th century – “the age of prosperity” – rich new hotels were quickly becoming prestigious.
Accommodation
The Balmoral Hotel
This hotel is located in the heart of Edinburgh, right in the city centre. The hotel is within walking distance from many historical and cultural areas in Edinburgh. The Balmoral is a 5
star luxury hotel, with elegant interior and exterior.
Quality Assurance Scheme
Visit Scotland
Features
♣ Excellent location
♣ The hotel has a grand design within it
♣ It is a traditional railway hotel
♣ The history behind the hotel is extensive
♣ The hotel is award winning
♣ It can handle event such as wedding accommodation
Facilities
♣ Spa with gym, pool and treatments.
♣
Two restaurants inside the hotel
♣ Palm court
♣ Specialist whisky bar
♣ In room: TV, WIFI, tea and coffee making facilities
♣ Meeting and event rooms
Castle Rock Hostel
This hostel is located beneath the Edinburgh Castle in the old town. It is within walking distance of all main attractions in Edinburgh.
15 Johnston Terrace, Edinburgh, EH1 2PW
Features
♣ Excellent location in the city centre
♣ Big spacious accommodation
♣ Easy transport links close by
Facilities
♣ Common area
♣ Pool table provided
♣ Tea, coffee, hot chocolate included
♣ Organised events included; pub crawls, pool competitions, ceilidhs for entertainment
♣ Free books
♣ Grand piano
♣ Continental breakfast (£1.50)
♣ Free WIFI
Pilrig House Apartments
This hotel is located in Edinburgh within walking distance from the city centre and water of Leith.
Quality Assurance Scheme
Britain’s finest
Features
♣ Surrounding parkland views
♣ Gardens
♣ Excellent location
♣ Free parking
Facilities
♣
Hairdryer
♣ Oven/hob/blender
♣ Washing machine/dryer
♣ Sofa/living space
♣ Fireplace
♣ Free WIFI
♣ Flat screen TV and DVD player
♣ Speaker
Thistle Dhu Bed & Breakfast
This B&B is located on the Glasgow Road, 4 miles from Edinburgh city centre and 2 miles from Edinburgh airport.
Quality Assurance Scheme
Visit Scotland
Features
♣ Excellent location
♣ Excellent bus services and links
♣
Off street – free parking
♣ Walking distance to restaurants
Facilities
♣ Traditional Scottish breakfast
♣ Free WIFI
♣ Spacious rooms
♣ No smoking zone
♣ TV space with sofa
Catering outlets
Hendersons
This restaurant is located in Edinburgh, in the centre of town on 94 Hanover Street. It is a food and service outlet that caters for vegetarians and has established itself as a vegetarian based restaurant, serving only vegetarian meals. It is described as ‘cosy, casual, local’
Number One
This restaurant is located in Edinburgh inside of the Balmoral hotel. It has a traditional Scottish menu which includes chef tasting with wine. It is described as formal and expensive; therefore, it wouldn’t be suitable for children.
Gourmet Burger Kitchen
This restaurant is a chain which is located in many places in the UK. One restaurant is located in the centre of Edinburgh on George Street. This chain offers anything from classic burgers to complicated burgers. It offers beef, chicken or veggie burgers, along with a wide variety of extras to choose from on the menu. This restaurant is family friendly and prices for this chain are reasonable.
Fabio’s Restaurant
This restaurant is located on the outside of town on the Glasgow Road. It is a family run restaurant and business and it has been for years. It offers classic and traditional Italian food. This restaurant has got a friendly environment for all ages and always welcome family. The food is of good quality and is relatively inexpensive.
Quality Assurance
Accommodation
Visit Scotland – Novotel Edinburgh
Novotel in Edinburgh city centre has been awarded 4 stars from the visit Scotland quality assurance scheme. The visit Scotland award ensures that recognition is being give and awarded for top notch accommodation. The visit Scotland award works that people can pick and decide what accommodation is their favourite and vote on it.
Catering
Michelin Star – Castle Terrace Restaurant
Castle Terrace restaurant is a Michelin star winner. To be eligible for a Michelin star the food in the restaurant has to be of high quality and standard. There is a panel of judges that go round and assess the food and environment that the food is in before the restaurant is awarded the food. For the restaurant to be able to win a Michelin star they need to be in an area that is covered by the company. As Michelin is a French company there are only small certain areas that provide the rating.
External Transport Gateways
Air – Edinburgh Airport
In recent years Edinburgh airport has introduced new direct flights from Edinburgh to JFK in New York City, with British Airways. In addition to that there has also been added direct flights from Edinburgh to Abu Dhabi with Virgin Australia. Also fights to Toronto, Canada from Edinburgh airport have been added, and the travel time is 7 hours and 9 minutes.
Edinburgh airport offers over 100 different destinations to travel to.
In Edinburgh airport there is a variety of 24 different airlines that settle there.
Rail – Edinburgh Waverley
Edinburgh Waverley is known for short haul distances and some long haul distances.
As well as going inside and around the outskirts of Edinburgh Waverley trains can go further than London city centre. London is one of the furthest travel points that passengers can go without having to change train. Trains are regular and run every single day of the week, which makes for maximum profit.
Road – Bus
Edinburgh bus station is in the city centre of Edinburgh. But there is also bus stops all over Edinburgh and 100s in the city centre of Edinburgh. Lothian buses are all around Edinburgh and there is a service that goes anywhere and everywhere in Edinburgh from the city centre. Lothian buses run regularly every week day and Saturday and just a little bit less frequent on a Sunday.
Sea – The Port of Leith – Edinburgh
The port of Leith is used for both cargo and cruise ships. The Forth port cruise company use the port as it is useful for easy access for passengers to embark or disembark from. The port can take vessels up to 210m x 30 and provides ladders and docks for easy on and off access to the ships.
Internal Transport Options
Trams
Edinburgh trams provide easy and quick services that are regular and on time. The tram route stops at varies, accessible areas all around Edinburgh. Trams stop at various train and bus links which are easy to access. Also because trams are also of the Lothian brand, Lothian bus passes are accepted on trams. Trams have been shown to beat traffic and are a fast and efficient way of travelling.
Taxis
Edinburgh taxis are one of the more expensive way of transport. Edinburgh has the largest amount of hackney city cabs with 450 operating in and around Edinburgh. Taxis can be frequent and there are lots of taxi ranks around Edinburgh and in the city centre. Taxis don’t need to be booked in advanced but they can be for planned events etc. Another thing other than taxis that can be helpful is the taxi drivers who are very knowledgeable about Edinburgh and can help you out if you’re lost or don’t know where you’re going.
Trends in the hospitality sector
Cruise Holidays
More people of all ages are going on cruise holidays. Meaning the younger generation are discovering cruises. This has shown that 25-34 year olds are taking cruises as an alternative holiday. This has then shown an increase in 12% growth of the cruise industry.
Cruises have also grown in population because budget cruises have been introduced in full force. Meaning more people from all ages are going on cruise holidays because they are more affordable. As well as new customers making the industry grow, returning customers also have a big impact on the growth of the industry.
There are new cruise opportunities in Edinburgh, where the cruise leaves from Edinburgh, Rosyth. This cruise is starting in Edinburgh and going to travel down to Europe. It would be an opportunity to see Scotland as well as countries in Europe.
Active Holidays
The younger generation are more interested in more activity based holidays, showing that 16% of 16 to 24 year olds plan on taking sporting holidays rather than any other type of holiday. Active holidays have such a big variety in them that long and short haul trips are possible with this type of holiday. Activity holidays are also good for families as it offers something for everyone. Activity holidays don’t appeal to some people as some people like to relax more on holidays rather than being outdoors and doing activities all the time.
There are lots of different and exciting things to do in Edinburgh, some of those things being activity based. There are different opportunities to go walking, cycling, and golfing and lots of other leisure activities to choose from. Edinburgh is a big city so it’s easy to find many indoor and outdoor activities.
Trends in the transport sector
Low Cost Airlines
More people are using low cost airlines now a days because it means more people can have shorter but more holidays each year, rather than long haul holidays once a year. Low cost airlines are beneficial because not a lot of people have the money to spend on expensive holiday but the majority of people still want to get away on a holiday. The younger generation are more likely to use low cost airline because they’re cheaper but whereas the older generation are more likely to stay away from low cost airlines because they are more likely to value good customer service and are more likely to pay for comfort that the younger generation are. Like everywhere Edinburgh has taken to low cost airlines and customers like the cheap prices that are offered.
Interrailing
Interrailing is aimed more at the younger generation as it can be a cheap exciting way to travel, and you can see lots of different places in a short amount of time. When going interrailing there is a global InterRail pass which allows you to get into Europe. This pass allows travelers to see up to 30 different countries and the interrail pass is reasonably priced. There are also advised routes you can look into when travelling and you can really plan your precise route. Edinburgh can offer trains to Glasgow or London where travelers are able to start their journeys into Europe.