Tony Story named ‘Industry Titan’ in 2024 Hospitality Power List

The visionary behind Kingsmills Hotel and Ness Walk, Tony Story, stands amongst some of the UK’s top hoteliers as he is named as an ‘Industry Titan’.

Tony, CEO of Kingsmills Group, was revealed as part of this year’s Boutique Hotelier ‘Power List’ at an event in London earlier this month.

Tony has worked in the hospitality and tourism industry for over 40 years. Continuing today with the same drive, energy, and passion. Tony’s vision is to deliver an outstanding guest experience with a large emphasis on their Highland cultural experience.  

The Kingsmills Group

In 2007, Tony acquired the Kingsmills Hotel from Marriott and transformed it into a leading resort-style 4-star hotel. Recognising that the city lacked a 5-star offering, and as a consequence, 5 star international visitors, in 2019 Tony opened The Kingsmills Hotel sister property Ness Walk on the banks of the River Ness. This widened the audience for Inverness.

Through Tony’s vision for a luxury offering in the city, the Kingsmills Hotel and Ness Walk have gone on to earn an enviable reputation internationally. Year after year, the international markets and the Highland reputation is growing, as are award nominations.

Speaking of the announcement, Tony says

“I am so very grateful and honoured to be amongst such incredible leaders from across our industry. This recognition is a testament to the collective efforts of the dedicated teams at the Kingsmills Hotel and Ness Walk – as well as the vibrant community that makes the Highlands and Islands a truly special place.”

“The level of innovation and resilience evident in the industry is truly remarkable – and something that is certainly worthy of celebration”

Eamonn Crowe, Editor at Boutique Hotelier

Supporting the Community

Beyond the operations of the hotel, Tony spearheads much of the Kingsmills Group’s fundraising initiative. Our passion for supporting the local community shines through nominated local charities. 

To date, the hotel has raised over £630,000 for three chosen charity partners; Highland Hospice, Mikeysline and SNAP. Three significant fundraisers are coming up this year. Including the return of the Sunflower Ball in aid of the Highland Hospice. The total is set to surpass £750,000 by the end of the year.

Previously featured names in the annual ‘Power List’ include James Thomson OBE of Prestonfield House & The Witchery. Others include Kim Murray of Cromlix and Kalindi Juneja, CEO of PoB Hotels Collection