Issue 70 Summer 2017 £2.75
Britons choosing ‘Bed and Brexit’ – analysis claims By Christina Eccles A COMBINATION of a low pound, the Brexit vote and the triggering of Article 50 has delivered a surge in bookings at Britain’s Bed and Breakfasts, according to research. Analysis of booking data from more than 5,000 Bed and Breakfasts carried out by eviivo – an online booking specialist for independent hotels and B&Bs – indicates that forward bookings are up 19.2 per cent year on year compared with the same pre-Brexit-vote period. CMO of eviivo Thomas Messett said: “There’s no doubt that the Brexit vote and subsequent invoking of Article 50 has had a measurable positive impact on bookings at Britain’s B&Bs. There is no gloom at the Inn. “Our B&B customers are seeing two benefits from a lower pound. First, more bookings from UK consumers concerned about their reduced spending power abroad. Second, an increase in bookings from international customers, keen to take the opportunity to enjoy a British break at a favourable exchange rate.” Areas of the country benefiting the most from the upswing in bookings are Central England, Northern Ireland and Scotland.
Thomas added: “It’s great to see such a strong performance from Central England, dispelling the myth that the B&B is all about the seaside. Country pursuits are a huge part of British leisure time and this performance demonstrates that. “It’s also encouraging to see Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales doing so well. The strong performance is a truly national trend.” According to the research, seaside destinations have also benefited from a boom in bookings. Thomas added: “It’s great to see some of the smaller seaside locations performing so well against names that we would think of first when we think of the British seaside. “The British seaside offers incredible variety, as our owners in the top-performing Penzance and Scarborough will testify. “Today’s B&Bs are colourful, quirky and often luxurious and are far more memorable than bland chain hotel rooms. “British B&Bs offer a glimpse of real Britain and unique comfort and hospitality that you just can’t get in impersonal hotels. The lower pound will bring a surge of new tourists to B&Bs which is great news for British tourism.”
Family package launches at Pier
Strictly Come Dancing finalist Danny Mac will star as Joe Gillis in the upcoming touring production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s awardwinning musical Sunset Boulevard. The show will open at Curve in Leicester on September 16 before touring the UK and Ireland; calling at venues including Edinburgh Playhouse, Newcastle Theatre Royal and Manchester Palace. * For more theatre news, see our Centre Stage section, starting on page 11.
WESTON-super-Mare’s Grand Pier has launched a new all-inclusive package for a value for money family day out. The new Mega Deal package costs less than £60 and includes entry to the pier for four, two Unlimited Rides Wristbands for adults, two Kiddies Wristbands (valid for children up to age 10), and meals for two children and two adults. Co-owner Michelle Michael said: “When you look at the costs of a family day out at other attractions and theme parks, our new Mega Deal really does represent exceptional value, especially since it includes food and drink for a family of four, which most others don’t. “The Mega Deal is something new we are doing as a trial to see if customers would prefer the convenience and the savings that they can enjoy by booking a package online before they visit the Pier. “We know families come in other sizes, and if this trial proves popular we will look to develop other options in the future.”