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Focus Hotels has welcomed a “surge” of staycation bookings which it said has given the group a “vital business boost” as its sites re-opened their doors to the general public.
Focus Hotels revealed it has invested in creating “dedicated Staycation sections” on the websites of several of the properties it manages to encourage even more people to take a staycation.
Peter Cashman, CEO of Focus Hotels, said increased interest in staycations has played a “pivotal role” in its ability to recover from having been shut for many months.
He also revealed that Hotel Colessio, in Stirling, has enjoyed a 91% occupancy rate in August – the same as August 2019.
He said: “Some of our other hotels have also been enjoying occupancy rates which are higher than we might have expected in all the circumstances.
“Mercure Albrighton Hall in Shrewsbury, Hampton by Hilton Bristol City Centre, the Swan’s Nest Hotel in Stratford-upon-Avon, Ibis Styles in Reading, and the Sketchley Grange Hotel and Spa in Hinckley all achieved occupancy rates of between 70 and 78% in August.:
He added: ““Staycations are the reason for these occupancy rates; many people are concerned about going abroad because of the ever-changing global picture, and requirements to isolate when they return.”
The Focus Group has been keen to build on the increased demand for holidays at home and invested in the special Staycation pages on the websites of six of its hotels.
The pages feature a “specially-designed” map which provides a guide to all the attractions and activities available within easy reach of each hotel.
There are then dedication sections with more details, covering historic houses and castles to theme parks, shopping and museum visits to walks and activities.
Peter added: “People often arrive at their accommodation not always sure of what is in the area, and often have an array of leaflets and brochures to browse through.We’ve made it much easier for them to plan their staycation adventure by clearly showing what is available to them when they use one of our hotels as a base.
“There’s no indication of when this pandemic will end, and I’m confident that the increased demand we have seen for staycations recently is something that is going to continue for some time to come.”
