Hoteliers are hoping that 2017 will become a record year for the UK hotel industry. Hospitality experts predict that the UK will see an increase in both international and domestic visitors holidaying in the UK. In fact, 63% of international tourists say they are now more inclined to holiday here, compared to last year. That’s according to a recent survey by Barclays. Meanwhile, 31% said the weaker pound was their reason behind choosing a UK holiday. But perhaps the more surprising reason for coming to the UK came from a fifth of respondents. They revealed that watching TV programmes about the British Royal Family influenced their choice of holiday destination.

Staycations boosting UK hotel industry

And it’s not just foreign visitors choosing the UK for their next holiday. The UK staycation has never been so popular. Almost a third of British holidaymakers expect to stay in the country for their holiday, with many believing they get more holiday for their money that way. Around 7.3 million Brits chose to holiday in England in early 2016, a 10% rise on the year before, says Visit England.

Looking ahead

Despite a slump at the end of 2016, the outlook for 2017 looks far more optimistic. The number of overseas tourists is expected to rise over 4% in the next year, according to VisitBritain. Meanwhile, inbound tourist spending will likely see an 8% boost. And while good news, hotels must quickly adapt to the rapidly changing marketplace. Over the next year, hotels will need to utilise tactical deals and offers to attract price-savvy travellers. Promoting key features like amenities, quality service and room service will also become more important than ever before. And as we start to gradually realise the true impact of Brexit, hoteliers will need to maximize their revenue from every booking they make.

Hotel insurance

If hotels in the UK are going to be enjoying a boost in trade this year, then it’s even more important to make sure you have the right insurance cover. Your insurance package should be tailored to suit your business needs, while also including:

• Buildings and contents.
• Public liability.
• Employer’s liability.
• Business Interruption.
• Legal Expenses.

So whatever might be ahead for UK hospitality, at least you will have peace of mind that you are prepared for the unexpected. After all, to secure the future of your business, you need to start protecting it today.