Staycations have helped Northern Ireland’s hoteliers as figures for August show an occupancy rate of 56.9%.
The latest statistics show a significant improvement from the July position. Hotels in Northern Ireland were permitted to re-open on 3 July.
Over 85% of hotels are back in business.
Occupancy figures for August give an overall occupancy figure of 56.9% with an average room rate (ADR) of £82. Occupancy in July was 24.8% with an ADR of £78.13.
Janice Gault, CEO of the Northern Ireland Hotels Federation, said there was a certain amount of trepidation about opening with concerns about safe trading, the viability of the market and a question mark over sustainability.
“However, as the summer has progressed, things have settled down with more hotel rooms coming on stream and ‘staycations’ increasing. Domestic trade has been strong with rural destinations such as Fermanagh, the North Coast and the Mournes proving very popular. This trend extends beyond hotels with other accommodation providers, in particular self-catering, reporting a very good August,” she said.
Janice said an influx of visitors from the South of Ireland has been a great boost to tourism and hotels have certainly benefited.
“Bookings increased three-fold in August 2020 compared to the same month last year. September has shown a similar pattern with almost double the number of bookings seen in 2019. Hotels are making the best of the season and are continuing to avail of furlough and other supports to improve their chances of survival.
She said looking at the year to date figures, the scale of the crisis becomes apparent. Occupancy in 2020 year to date is 37%, in the same period in 2019, it was 72.6%. Overall revenue is down by 63%.
“The sector is keen to trade responsibly but uncertainty about regulations and travel dent consumer confidence and will undoubtably have a significant impact on trading in the coming weeks,” she added.
“As a sector we are trying to maintain a business as normal approach.”
The annual Hospitality Exchange event, which provides a forum for hospitality providers to share information and discuss challenges, will be taking place online on 14 October. For further information log on to hospitalityexchange.org.uk.”
Explaining the ongoing challenges and the need for continued support to ensure hospitality businesses can survive, Janice said the measures that hoteliers have introduced to keep customers and staff safe has meant some properties are operating a shorter week to adhere to social distancing, while others have had to reduce occupancy levels.
“Businesses are also having to absorb the associated cost that comes with implementing the extensive health and safety measures that must be adhered to. If you look at year to date occupancy figures they show the stark reality of the impact of COVID-19, a staggering 50% drop in occupancy compared with last year.
“Hoteliers have demonstrated their commitment to Northern Ireland having sustained thousands of jobs and invested around £600m over the last five years alone. The industry is open, and hoteliers are trading and are keen to contribute to the economy in a positive way,” she added.
