Sector prepares for bumper Easter weekend
The latest insights from a hospitality tech provider has revealed that bookings for the Easter weekend are up 40% compared to the same time in 2023.
According to Zonal, bookings last year were up 14% on 2022. The data illustrates the continued importance of the Easter weekend for the hospitality industry, presenting a golden opportunity to drive bookings, footfall and revenue.
Across the four days, Easter Sunday remains the most popular date to book, with reservations surging by 75% compared to 2022, and nearly 50% from 2023. However, but it's not just the Sunday seeing such a rise in bookings; reservations on Good Friday are up 32% on 2023, Saturday by 43% and Easter Monday up by 26%, showing the opportunity for operators to drive footfall throughout the long weekend.
Drive additional footfall
Zonal's most recent GO Technology report, in partnership with UKHospitality, further demonstrates the role the industry plays during key calendar occasions, with 44% of Brits wanting to spend time in hospitality venues during such events.
Tim Chapman, chief commercial officer at Zonal, comments on the findings: "Our insights show that Easter weekend continues to be an important calendar occasion for the hospitality industry. This year, Easter falls at the end of the month around payday which could provide one explanation for the rise in bookings. Given bookings could continue to increase over the next few days, operators would benefit from showing potential customers real-time availability of tables to make it easier for them to make bookings throughout the weekend and drive additional footfall over the bank holiday."