Gregor Ritchie, Director of Optimum Hotel Management and CEO of Luxury Leisure Group, has poured 18 years into keeping country house hotels alive with heart and soul. From his early days as a porter in a grand Stratford hotel, he’s fought to preserve these historic gems in a tough, ever-changing hospitality world, facing challenges like construction disputes for spa projects, pleasing high-net-worth owners, and tackling staff shortages amid rising costs.

Gregor shares his hard-earned wisdom on what keeps these hotels thriving. He swears by a tight-knit management team, weaving tech into the timeless charm of human connection, and boosting income through spas, leisure breaks, and quirky bookings—without letting OTAs eat the profits. He reveals how a clever refurb can lift room rates by £50 without touching a bedroom and why high-value guests are the lifeblood of independents.

Travel Market Life is produced by Urban Podcasts.