Spice Girls pep up hotel sector

POP legends booked to play at Ashton Gate are a great coup for Bristol - and could help reverse a fall in hotel occupancy levels.

That’s according to Bristol Hoteliers Association chairman Imran Ali, who said showstoppers such as The Spice Girls, Take That and Rod Stewart would bring thousands of fans in to the city centre.

Imran Ali said: “News of the bookings was music to the ears of the city’s hotels sector, which has seen occupancy levels slip over recent months.

“We believe the cancellation of big festivals such as Grillstock and scaling back the popular Let’s Rock event from three to one day had a detrimental effect on occupancy.

“Bristol’s cultural offering suffered as a result with fewer people coming in to the city.”

He added:

“Showstoppers

like Take That, The Spice Girls and Rod Stewart playing at Ashton Gate will boost Bristol’s reputation as a destination city.”

In the longer term, Imran Ali said hoteliers were backing the YTL Arena and Ashton Gate’s Conference Centre to bring more punters back.

But he said Bristol’s creaking infrastructure must be improved to maintain the city’s appeal to music fans and visitors alike.

“People arrive in the city from the M32 and Temple Meads, both of which are awful. There is single lane traffic on the A38 to Bristol Airport. We need investment - and we need to see some action.”

The Bristol Hoteliers Association represents 34 major hotels in the city.

Imran Ali said: “Hotels put £200million into the local economy and we need a voice.”