[The Argus, October 2016]
A new survey shows the city tops the chart of seaside resorts for annual growth figures. This summer it has put on 12.8 per cent in revenue compared with last year. Hoteliers told The Argus they agreed with the findings and said Brits staying in the UK on staycations were to thank for the boom.
David Uson, co-owner of the Guest And The City bed and breakfast in Kemp Town, said business was brisk.
He said: “We took over in March so this has been our first year but we’ve got the last six years’ bookings and we’re certainly up, dramatically up on last year. “As soon as we get a cancellation we get a booking again within hours. “Like the previous owner, we also record nationalities and there are a lot of British people coming to stay this year.
“I’ve been really surprised.”
Mr Uson said September was shaping up to be even busier than August so the summer boom is not over yet.
The report, from till software company Epos Now, concludes that more Brits have chosen to stay in the country – and head for the Sussex seafront – than in previous years.
With the post-Brexit staycation boom estimated to be worth an extra £1.4 billion to the UK economy, the survey of 320 hospitality businesses across the UK identified the major seaside resorts that have experienced
the biggest hikes in sales from July 17 to August 17 compared with the same period last year.
Of the resorts polled, Brighton experienced the largest surge in sales, recording a 12.8 per cent increase on last year’s figures.
Southend also received a no- table boost in sales, posting a 9.1 per cent increase, while bars, pubs and cafés in Newquay in Cornwall enjoyed a seven per cent growth.
Viktors Jefimovs, manager of Volks Diner on Brighton seafront, said: “It was nice and busy this summer – we have had a great year.”
He said the business enjoyed a year-on-year upturn most summers.
Jacyn Heavens, CEO of Epos Now said: “It’s unsurprising to see sales increases in British holiday resorts this year consid- ering the events in Europe.”
Commenti