How UK restaurants can prepare for a boom in staycations this summer

With the government asking citizens to stay home this summer, demand for local accommodations has surged throughout the UK. Last year, we saw issues with people having to quarantine before, after and even during holiday trips to other countries. Needless to say, that took some of the fun out of summer vacation.

Looking to avoid the hassle and risk of traveling abroad during a pandemic, many Britons have elected to stay within the UK for their summer holiday trips. And while the country still faces the risk of COVID transmission, increased domestic travel means good news for the struggling hospitality and foodservice industries.

As the demand for “staycation” accommodations surges throughout the country, residents in desirable locations are even debating whether to rent out their spare rooms to profit from stir-crazy travellers. One way or another, it looks like we’re in for a busy summer.  

Here’s what you need to know to get ready:

Staycations by the numbers

Custard Communications reports that 83% of British travellers would prefer to stay in the UK this year. Since last year, online bookings for UK staycations increased by an astounding 120-130% for some holiday websites.

If you plan on accommodating an increase in travellers, we suggest paying attention to these numbers from Catererlicensee.com

  • 44% of individuals polled plan to take time off in the summer, while 23% of respondents plan to vacation during autumn.
  • Traditional hotel stays (29%) are not as popular as staying in smaller holiday homes (44%).
  • Extended periods of planned time off (7 nights or more) have increased compared to last year.
  • The average booking value has increased by around 40% compared to last year.

Foodservice preparations

As shutdown measures begin to lift, many restaurants say they may not open right away. Some hospitality operators (a majority of those polled by Lumina Intelligence in January) even say they prefer to delay opening rather than contend with restrictions.

Even then, we can expect that as restrictions lift and the summer weather returns, the holiday travellers will be back too. As a result, restaurants, inns, pubs and cafes will need to prepare. We might not be looking at a typical summer, but with staycation reservations bursting at the seams, that may not be such a bad thing either.

As you prepare for a busy summer, consider stocking up now on safety and sanitation equipment from NCCO International. Whether you’re looking for signs to encourage social distancing, personal protection equipment or sanitisation stickers, we have you covered.

Although you’re not out of this pandemic yet, we’re here to make sure you make it through.

For more information or to speak to one of our sales representatives directly, contact us at uksales@ncco.com. Or head over to our website and view our entire selection of safety and sanitisation solutions.

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