While the UK hospitality sector grapples with ongoing closures, soaring energy costs, and reduced consumer confidence, Resorts World Birmingham announces significant F&B growth and new venue investment as it marks its 10th year.
The positive momentum at Resorts World comes at a critical time for the sector, but the integrated leisure destination is, proving that a concentrated, experience-led strategy can still drive footfall and revenue.
Defying the national landscape, Resorts World is enhancing its current dining and nightlife portfolio. The recent opening of High Line, an exciting new cocktail and live music venue within Resorts World Casino, signals confidence in experiential hospitality.
The destination is also preparing to welcome Dave’s Hot Chicken, a high-profile international brand, demonstrating its ability to attract market-leading operators. In addition, a rare F&B opportunity at Lakeside Level resulted in 3 competitive bids and it is now in legals with the chosen operator.
Since the first full year of trading in 2016, catering sales in Resorts World have more than doubled, having consistently grown every year. Sky Bar & Restaurant, one of Resorts World’s flagship F&B venues, continues to be a major revenue driver, with number of covers having increased by 54 per cent versus 2023.
The centre’s resilience is also demonstrated by its retail stability, having celebrated a raft of lease renewals totalling over 50,000 square feet from 16 key brands such as Nike, Levi’s, The North Face and Next Outlet. This is further bolstered by expansions from leisure brands like Hollywood Bowl and Escape Hunt.
Jason Kirsch, operations dDirector at Resorts World, commented: “When we opened 10 years ago, our ambition was to create something truly unique, the UK’s only integrated casino and leisure resort. What we’ve proven is the power of the integrated leisure destination. We combine outlet shopping, a hotel, casino, and essential entertainment under one roof, and that model is helping us to combat some of the challenges facing the high street. Our success isn’t luck; it’s a strategic commitment to great experiences that bring people together.”
Resorts World’s ability to buck the trend is rooted in its successful 10-year strategy of building a holistic, high-performing leisure destination, which includes the casino, the Genting Hotel, and a comprehensive F&B and entertainment offer.
Since opening in 2015, the multi-million-pound resort has been a major driver for the local economy, seeing around 9,000 people employed and welcoming over 700,000 hotel guests at the Genting Hotel.
Kirsch added: “We are immensely proud of what we’ve achieved, but this 10th anniversary feels like just the beginning. Resorts World will keep evolving; we’ll keep introducing new experiences, new partnerships, and more ways for people to connect. The next chapter is about building on this strong foundation and continuing to surprise and excite our guests.”
As it celebrates a decade on site, Resorts World remains focused on what has always set it apart: great experiences that bring people together. For full details, visit the website.
