Hotels looking ahead to busy times

FROM today many indoor venues, such as pubs, restaurants, theatres and cinemas, can finally open indoors, which also means the re-opening of hotels across the country.

All remaining outdoor entertainment will also reopen and some larger events will be able to take place, including conferences, concert performances and sports events.

The hospitality industry has been hit hard by the pandemic, which saw most venues closed for most of 2020.

In March, the Bristol Hoteliers Association (BHA), which represents 40 hotels in the city, announced it was hiring 500 people ahead of the summer re-opening.

Raphael Herzog, chair of the BHA, said: “Bookings are looking strong for leisure hotels, and there is half term at the end of May, which we are expecting to be very busy.

“We are also looking for more clarity about what is going to happen from 21 June, when the roadmap says almost all restrictions will be lifted, which will allow us to operate at 100% capacity, host larger weddings and larger meetings.

“There’s a strong suggestion that we’re going to enjoy a staycation summer, although ultimately this will depend on what restrictions may stay in place for travelling abroad, which is why we would really like to have some clarity sooner rather than later.”