Bristol hotel bosses have warned that the survival of popular summer events in the city such the International Balloon Fiesta and Harbour Festival is vital for the success of its hospitality sector.
An uptick in summer bookings this year has given Bristol’s hotels a timely boost, with the Bristol Hoteliers Association (BHA) – which represents 40 hotels in and around the city with around 4,000 rooms between them – saying members are “cautiously optimistic” about the future.
However, with question marks hanging over a number of popular events in the city due to spiralling costs, the BHA fears Bristol’s reputation as a vibrant summer visitor destination could be tarnished.
The average occupancy rates for BHA members in August was 79.7% compared with 74.4% in the same month last year.
City centre hotels had an occupancy rate of 78.4% against 71.9%, while for four-star hotels the average rate was 81.7%, up on last year’s 74.9%.
The average occupancy rate at South Bristol hotels, including at the airport, climbed to 94.8% from 91.9%.
The figures show a continual recovery from the devastating impact of Covid on the sector. Prior to the pandemic, average August occupancy rates were around 85%.
Sharply rising costs, including salaries, utilities and food, have also caused a major headache for Bristol’s hotels, with staff shortages triggered mainly by Brexit compounding their problems.
BHA chair Raphael Herzog, pictured, said: “Our members have reported having a strong summer. August in particular was a good month, despite the weather not being as nice as we may all have hoped.
“There is no doubt that events like the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta in August and the Harbour Festival in July, contributed to the strong summer.
“They help provide a major boost to many businesses, particularly those in the hospitality sector.
“I don’t think we can emphasise enough how much Bristol needs events like these, nor how damaging it might be if they were lost.
“These events are enjoyed by locals and visitors alike of all ages and backgrounds and they create a vibrant and exciting atmosphere in the city.”
He said as well as the benefits they brought to businesses in the city, including its hotels, there was also a ‘feel good’ factor, which everyone needed in tough times.
“We have had a decent summer, which we are grateful for, and are hoping this momentum will remain as our businesses continue to recover from the impact of Brexit and the pandemic,” he added.
While the Balloon Fiesta, Harbour Festival, St Pauls carnival and other summer events in Bristol have traditionally been free – with their income primarily coming from site fees and sponsorship – rising costs mean their organisers face tough decisions ahead of their return next year.
