Bristol’s hoteliers hope 2026 continues in the way it has started as Easter approaches, which traditionally marks the start of the holiday season.
The Bristol Hoteliers Association (BHA) says special events and popular sports fixtures helped ensure the first quarter of the year was ‘fairly strong’.
BHA Chair Adam Flint said: “While we’ve seen occupancy grow, ADR has been fairly flat, but the weekends were boosted, thanks to people being drawn to the city by attractions such as the Bristol Light Festival.
“Weekends in general seemed to see increased visits, and business in the first quarter was further boosted by sporting events such as the Six Nations rugby, Cheltenham Festival and the Women’s football league cup final which took place at Ashton Gate.
“While there is a little uncertainty at present around tour groups and visitors from overseas, because of the war in Iran, with some hotels reporting a few group cancellations, overall, there is optimism outside of the Middle East crisis.”
Image - Adam Flint
June will see Bristol’s Seat Unique Stadium (formerly known as the County Ground), host six matches of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, which will help boost hospitality businesses.
The Bristol International Balloon Fiesta and Bristol Harbour Festival put the city on the world map every year while the M Shed will be hosting a ‘Cracking Exhibition’ to celebrate 50 years of Aardman Animation, which I’m sure will attract visitors from far and wide.
Adam added: “One thing’s for sure, with everything that Bristol and the surrounding area has to offer, one day is nowhere near enough time to soak up the city and that, of course, is where we come in.
“It has been a very difficult few years for the hospitality industry, and we’re under no misapprehension that there are not still plenty of challenges ahead of us, but the general feeling is that 2026 has plenty of potential to be a good year for our businesses.”
To find out more about the Bristol Hoteliers Association, visit: www.bristol-hoteliers.co.uk
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