Join Rye & District Hotels & Caterers Association

membership benefits of the rye & district hotels & caterers association (hotcats)

HOTCATS was started in 1961 by our President, Tony Mann, and a few other dedicated accommodation providers and Caterers who felt
there was a need for a structured body to promote tourism and catering in the Rye and District area and participation in other
discounted marketing opportunities by virtue of membership.

The area that we cover is basically a 7 mile radius from the Town Hall in Rye with one or two exceptions when establishments fall outside this area, but are not able to be part of any other organisation, i.e. there is nothing else they can join that can help and support them.

At present our Association has a very healthy Membership of around 50 Members with a very active three monthly meeting structure (which always includes a social event). This is not only very enjoyable but an excellent networking opportunity.

The Association has a full Constitution along with a Management Structure in which, effectively, all Members form the Committee.
Therefore everybody has a say in the running and decision-making of the Association.

The benefits of Membership are as follows :-

1. We are Members of Tourism South East. Therefore our Members have the advantage of being able to call upon the facilities of T.S.E. as well as receiving full support from them plus their regular up-dates.


2. We are Affiliate Members of the British Hospitality Association, benefits as above, but including legal support and yet more direct Government lobbying ability.


3. Free entry to the www.ryeguide.co.uk Website, which is HOTCATS own site and only includes Members. All Members can be in as many sections as they justify.
4. For Members who are accommodation providers we have a system in place for keeping each other advised of room availability. Especially helpful for those last minute cancellations.


5. For our Catering Members they have automatic access to circulating all our Members with menus etc., plus any special  events they may have and the added advantage of knowing that as Members they would be recommended to guests of accommodation providers where appropriate.


6. Free inclusion in advertising that is undertaken, for example our Website is advertised in The Commuter magazine where we have a ¼ page in full cover in every issue. This magazine is distributed bi-monthly free of charge to Southern Rail and Euro Star users, print run 150,000. We have also negotiated special advertising rates for our Members in this publication if they should wish to take an advert themselves.


7. Representation on the Rye Marketing Group which is the influential and premier Group promoting the Rye and District along with all the advertising opportunities that this entails.


8. Representation on the Rye and District Chamber of Commerce where we have a very good working relationship and circulate their correspondence amongst our Members as well and vice a versa.


9. There is also the availability to advertise your business for sale on the website.

All of the above for the one-off Joining fee of £25.00., which includes Membership Certificate and Ceramic Plaque and an ongoing
Fee of £50.00 per annum.

Therefore, the first year is £75.00 and each subsequent year is £50.00.

FOR ANY OTHER INFORMATION REGARDING THE ASSOCIATION CONTACT

John A. Smith (Chairman)
iinfo@ryeguide.co.uk
Phone 01424 883236

See About Us for further information on Rye & District Hotel & Caterers Association.