One of Suffolk’s leading hotels has welcomed the news that the world’s biggest airline carrier American Airlines is looking to expand its services from Stansted Airport next year.
The four star Bedford Lodge Hotel in Newmarket which attracts a large number of visitors from the US every year, said that plans to increase the American Airlines’ service to twice daily would bring a big boost to tourism in the area.
Chief Executive Noel Byrne said: “From April 2008, American Airlines will be doubling their service between New York’s JFK Airport and Stansted which is fantastic news for the local tourist industry. At Bedford Lodge we welcome a lot of visitors to Bedford Lodge from the States and given the proximity of Stansted to Newmarket we believe that this will have a significant impact on the numbers of both business and leisure visitors who visit us from the USA.”
Bedford Lodge Hotel which has 55 bedrooms and suites, underwent a half million pound refurbishment programme earlier in the year and recently announced plans for a state-of-the-art new spa. Mr Byrne who is also currently Chairman of the Tourism Business Action Group in Suffolk and Vice Chairman of the Suffolk Tourism Partnership added: “Although statistics show the numbers of visitors from the USA have slightly dropped during 2007, Newmarket is still a popular destination for American visitors. This news from American Airlines is a big boost to us and for tourism in East Anglia in general.”
