November 2, 2024

Booking Sentiment in October Was Positive

With things still extremely unsure, and restrictions changing frequently, we do not know for sure whats around the corner.

NB: This is a post from Net Affinity

In the United States, its a mixed bag, with company travel picking up and filling the space that has ended up being obvious from less visitors.

In Ireland, the level of uncertainty blended with upgraded restrictions has implied a minor loss in confidence and a surge in recommendations to prevent events like Christmas parties where possible. This means we might see a dip in the coming months. Recalling at October though (as is essential to do), it was a favorable month compared to the exact same period in 2019.

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What were basic bookings like?

Need stayed strong across the board for bookings made in October 2021. Reservations ended up ahead of October 2019 by 20% in the Republic of Ireland and 17% in Northern Ireland. In October, although cases were increasing in Ireland, we were still seeing the majority of scheduled occasions proceed and socialising continue– so weekend dates for leisure company remained strong and there was likewise an increase in corporate business and events.

Limitations were due to be raised in the Republic of Ireland on 22nd October. They did not lift fully due to a rise in case numbers, hospitality industry restrictions did loosen somewhat (dining numbers increased to 10 grownups with 5 kids at a table, and weddings returned to full numbers permitted).

Reservations that followed through

Dublins hotel performance has actually apparently dropped -4% compared with October 2019. When it comes to resorts/destination residential or commercial properties, they saw a development of just 6% in volume, compared with 50% for town homes & & 55% for rural properties. This Covid-influenced outcome displays a fascinating and increased demand in this off-season duration for town & & rural properties that wasnt there in October 2019.

October was overall a great month in relation to bookings that went on vs cancellations when we compare it to October 2019. We completed up 15% ahead The midterm break was a popular time for bookings– one of the key problems we noted were family orientated hotels offering out of living room! Another concern was hotels needing to limit dining numbers due to a lack of staff. These are all problems the market as a whole is browsing and experiencing through. In Northern Ireland, we saw a 19% growth in volume in October vs October 2019 (this is a slight drop on last month, which saw a 23% growth).

As weve stated time and time again, the road ahead is slightly uncertain. We are in the midst of a heavy case boost, and for that reason we can not make predictions when it concerns restrictions and what they might require (and when they might be implemented). All we can do is take it day by day and continue to evaluate the situation and be versatile.

Resort/destination properties are well ahead at 99% development! These residential or commercial properties are continuing (possibly unsurprisingly, what with the long and brand-new term Covid-conscious consumer) to be reserved in enormous numbers.

That being stated, looking forward at this time, and comparing January 2022 to January 2019, we are seeing a 59% growth so far, although these are little figures still (and have actually dropped from a 77% development in September). Enjoy this space, well keep you upgraded.

Looking ahead.

Cancellations in October

Looking back, 57% of cancellations made in the month of October were for October, with 24% for November in Republic of Ireland hotels. In the North, 52% of cancellations made in October were for October, and 30% for November. This shows a return to last minute/later cancellations which we expect to continue provided the present, slightly reactive, environment.

We do anticipate a boost in cancellations after this week of careful statements from the federal government detailing an increase in limitations and an indicator there could be more to come.

Learn more articles from Net Affinity

Bookings finished ahead of October 2019 by 20% in the Republic of Ireland and 17% in Northern Ireland. October was in general a terrific month in relation to bookings that went ahead vs cancellations when we compare it to October 2019. In Northern Ireland, we saw a 19% growth in volume in October vs October 2019 (this is a slight drop on last month, which saw a 23% development).

Looking back, 57% of cancellations made in the month of October were for October, with 24% for November in Republic of Ireland hotels. In the North, 52% of cancellations made in October were for October, and 30% for November.