THE owners of a Great Yarmouth hotel believe continual investment is the key to ensuring that visitors keep returning to the town.

“People’s expectations are higher than they’ve ever been, and unless you continually improve the quality of your accommodation and facilities guests will simply find somewhere else to stay,” said Nick Mobbs, who runs the Imperial Hotel with his wife Aileen.

They have just invested �130,000 on building a 75 square metre continental-style all-weather drinks and dining terrace on the front of the Imperial, overlooking the sea. The Terrace, which can seat 50 people, has a retractable roof to provide protection from the sun and showers, and heaters for cooler days. It’s open daily for residents and non-residents.

Officially opened on Tuesday by the Mayor, Barry Coleman, the Terrace is the latest development in a programme of improvements at the Imperial, which in 2008 became Yarmouth’s first four-star hotel.

“Hotels today simply can’t rest on their laurels,” said Mr Mobbs. “We’re currently upgrading bedrooms and, in the last few years, have relaunched and rebranded our restaurant Caf� Cru, revamped our bars and function room, and undertaken a huge programme of energy-saving measures.

“In the past five years alone our level of investment at the Imperial has exceeded half a million pounds. You simply can’t stand still in this business.

“Other hotels in the town realise this, too, and it’s brilliant to see the improvements that are taking place. Great Yarmouth needs great new facilities like the Terrace to help raise its image, and to keep visitors coming back time after time. Continual investment is the lifeblood of tourism.”