HOSPA launches ‘sleepover to help turnover’ initiative

HOSPA has launched a ‘sleepover to help turnover’ initiative which seeks to incentivise continued trade in the face of new restrictions for the sector announced earlier this week.

The association has pointed to the “much-needed flurry of trade” that the ‘Eat Out to Help Out’ scheme provided for the hospitality industry during August as a precedent.

The scheme is planned to be “two-way”, aiming to “encourage hoteliers to incentivise potential guests” by offering discounts or extras, such as supplementary meals, additional nights or bottles of wine, and therefore rewarding customers who engage with the scheme and “display their support for the hospitality industry.”

The hospitality trade body said the initiative’s “overriding purpose” is to encourage the public to “continue engaging” with UK hotels into autumn and winter, looking to “prolong the recovery boost” experienced over the summer.

HOSPA said the proposal looks to combat the impact of the latest restrictions – 10pm curfew for bars and restaurants, the ‘rule of six’ and weddings limited to 15 guests.

These measures are “taking a further toll on an industry already at breaking point”, according to the trade body.

Samantha Williams, UK market owner at Profitroom, SaaS supplier to the hospitality industry, said: “In recent weeks we’ve seen extremely encouraging signs of recovery across the industry, especially in coastal resorts and popular tourist destinations such as the Lake District.

“This has been boosted further by the #EatOutToHelpOut scheme. However, this was focused on eateries – but now we’re hoping to generate a boost for hoteliers too. Many hotels, especially those in city centers, are really struggling – with the latest rules adding further burdens.”

She added: “By supporting #SleepOverToHelpTurnover, members of the public will help hotels carry on as they move into a traditionally quieter period, further aiding them in their recovery and providing a vital boost to the economy.”