Bristol’s hospitality sector is hoping Sterling’s current woes on the world financial markets will ignite customers into booking their holidays now in order to maintain existing business levels throughout 2017.
With the pound hitting record lows against the Euro and Dollar, bosses at the city’s hotels are now encouraging those who are planning their 2017 holidays, to consider a staycation rather than travel abroad.
In addition, they are anticipating the current exchange rate to attract a growing hoard of foreign travellers keen on making the most of being able to enjoy the UK much cheaper than before.
John Dowling, general manager at DoubleTree by Hilton, Bristol City Centre says the city needs to gear up in order to attract custom from both home and abroad.
John said: “The UK currency’s battering on the financial markets may not be to the liking for those wanting to go abroad but for those looking to enjoy time off closer to home it seems the staycation is the way forward.
“In recent years the so called Great British Staycation never quite lived up to its billing largely due to the inclement British weather and favourable exchange rates.
“But with people thinking now about where they might holiday in 2017, we’re already receiving more enquiries from UK-based customers and is something we must focus on.
“This is something which never happened before, so it looks like the 2017 staycation is going to be the holiday of choice for many.
“What we now have to do is make Bristol the destination of choice so that people book here rather than elsewhere. The city has loads to offer with its history, vibrant music and art scene plus historic Harbourside, not to mention the numerous festivals.
“Interestingly we’re also seeing an increase in the number of retirees who are visiting later in the week and who are able to take advantage for example of there being seats available in the city’s theatres.
“Being close to Temple Meads train station and the M32 places us in a good position to attract those looking for a well-located four star hotel.
“As a city we must now all work closely together to make it as attractive as possible to those from both the UK and abroad to place Bristol as top of their places to visit.”