Bars and restaurants should capitalise on Christmas overnighters

Published: 26 August, 2010

Bars and restaurants should capitalise on the opportunity that one in three people will make a Christmas shopping trip this year which will include an overnight stay, according to Retail Eyes.

A survey of 1,700 UK consumers by the 'customer experience improvement agency' said the news be no doubt be welcomed by leisure and hospitality businesses that have struggled in the current economic climate.

The report said that hotelier businesses should also be prepared for the last minute rush in December as 15% of people will be leaving their shopping to the last minute.

Tim Ogle, Retail Eyes chief executive officer, said: "Getting service and experience right is essential for a successful festive period.

"The Christmas period is the biggest single opportunity for hoteliers to welcome new customers and presents a massive opportunity not just to fill rooms but also to attract additional revenue through bars and restaurants."

He added : "Leisure and hospitality businesses should also not be too concerned about the VAT rise affecting consumer spending habits around the festive period, as Retail Eyes' poll also revealed that 61% of shoppers said that the planned VAT rise in January will not affect how much they spend this Christmas."

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