04 Jun Northants firm predicts UK ‘staycation’ bonanza
New figures indicate 84% of us are planning a UK holiday this summer.
A Northamptonshire business providing hotel booking software to thousands of small hotels and guesthouses across the UK, is predicting a massive upturn in UK ‘staycation’ holidays this summer.
Pitsford-based Welcome Computer Systems Ltd says current economic trends and travel statistics indicate more of us will be staying in the UK for our holidays than ever before.
The latest figures from Visit England’s Staycation review show 84% of us are planning a summer holiday in the UK, influenced by the prospects of shorter breaks, cheaper travel and spending less on food and drink.
Despite early indications of an economic recovery, the report further notes that public sector employees are the most pessimistic about an increase in living standards, and are more likely to save money by cutting back on overseas trips.
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Welcome Computer Systems Director, Mark Ellis, explains:
“The staycation phenomenon means UK residents are set to spend more on domestic holidays, while rising income from overseas tourism means this summer will offer an unrivalled opportunity for small hotels.
“The Office for National Statistics shows England’s tourism sector now employs 2.6 million people and is worth over £106 billion, making it the number one jobs-driver in the country.”
However, Ellis warns that without appropriate investment in tourism business infrastructure, this booming industry could wilt under the pressures of high customer demand.
He continues: “With rising payroll costs the industry has to raise productivity if it is to survive profitably.
“About one third of working time is currently wasted, with productivity varying enormously across hotels. Every £1 spent on labour generates between £2.14 and up to £18.44 of sales revenue depending on efficiency.
“Three-quarters of the time wasted in hospitality businesses is down to poor planning and ineffective management of customer information and bookings.
“Welcome Computer System’s web-based system is designed to tackle this challenge with specially-designed software packages for small hotels, B&Bs and guest houses to enhance their productivity by managing and tracking their bookings efficiently and cost-effectively.”
For further details: www.welcome-anywhere.co.uk/
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