Bristol hoteliers ‘cautiously’ optimistic after strong summer

The Bristol Hoteliers Association reports that hoteliers in the region are “cautiously” optimistic about the future, as overall occupancy rates for Bristol in August were 79.7%, compared with 74.4% in the same month last year. 

Bristol’s city centre occupancy in August also reached 78.4%, compared with 71.9% last year, while four-star occupancy rates hit 81.7% this summer compared with 74.9% in the previous year. 

Bristol South and Airport also saw occupancy rates rise from 91.9% in August 2022 to 94.8% in August 2023.

However, BHA has warned that the survival of events like the International Balloon Fiesta and Harbour festival are vital to keep Bristol on the map and ensure it remains a destination of choice in future years.

According to the local association, thousands of people descended on Ashton Court for the four-day event in August, but balloon fiesta organisers say they face “tough decisions” over its future because of the increasing costs of staging it.

There is currently no entry fee to attend the balloon fiesta, with income coming from site fees, sponsorship and parking charges, but this summer there was still a funding shortfall.

Raphael Herzog, chair of BHA, said: “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 this, 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 added: “As well as the benefits they bring to businesses like ours, there is also the ‘feel good’ factor, too, which we all need. 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.”