Guest Speaker: Daniel Fleming
Hospitality in New Plymouth Post Covid
Daniel (introduced by Harry Duynhoven) was brought up in New Plymouth attending Vogletown, Highlands and New Plymouth Boys High School, going on to graduate with a Bachelors Degree in Hotel Management at PHIMs. Harry mentioned that he was recognised by Harry's wife Margaret, who taught him at Vogletown, as an amazing little guy that was the "perfect package". Good with people, and smart.
Daniel's proud to call Taranaki home after Hotel Management experience in Queenstown, Port Douglas, Wellington.
In particular at The Intercontinental in Wellington where they hosted All Blacks, Hillary Clinton, PM Singapore, Russell Brand One Direction and many other celebrities 10 years ago.
He's been the CEO of The King and Queen Hotel for the last 8 years.
As co- owner he's had the New Branded freedom to set up the Hotel from scratch. It was rated the best 4.5 Star Hotel in New Zealand a few years ago.
He's along with other 20 businesses established the West End Precinct transforming the White Heart Hotel that once hosted The Magog Motorcycle Club and Sticky Filth to an up market area.
He markets the Precinct as a one destination package that embraces accommodation with restaurants, retail shops, TSB Showplace, Len Lye Centre, Bovett Brewster Art Gallery.
The 32 Room facility was doing extremely well with 90% occupancy then COVID 19 hit and they were down to zero occupancy and a very scary situation.
He had just come back from a trip to The States just prior to Womad in 2020.
Working from home he managed to keep all staff on the payroll with the Government Wage Subsidy assistance and recovered quickly to the point that in April/May this year the Hotel is performing better than ever. This was not without some concern about security over the lockdown period.
He believes Domestic Tourism is booming in Taranaki bucking the trend of other destinations.
He joined the Taranaki Chamber of Commerce 7 years ago and has been the Chairman for 2 years citing the many things The Chamber now does to make it more relevant for 700 businesses that are members.
He's been a director of WITT for the last 3 years which he believes has been doing better than ever with student numbers, courses offered under the CEO , John Snook.
As to its future under the Governments proposed restructuring plans this remains to be seen but they are desperately trying to gain $100m funding to right the under investment of previous years.
Daniel believes that the future for New Plymouth is looking bright citing developments at The Taranaki Cathedral, Parihaka as things to look forward to, for independent travellers visiting.
He outlined a 6 story West End Precinct Development that will provide 8 City Full-time Apartments (value 1.8-3 $M) and hotel growth to 42 Rooms. This will be built over a 3 year period.
Des Friedrich thanked Daniel for his inspiring talk congratulating him on his success as a local entrepreneurial businessman and support for The New Plymouth Community at large.
Congratulations to:
Jan Dempsey President Nominee for 2022/23
Stephen Bovett President Nominee for 2023/24
