Early Christmas bookings signal a busy season for hospitality in 2024.
- Bookings for Christmas 2024 have surged by 54% compared to 2023.
- Over half of these bookings are specifically for Christmas Day.
- Saturdays 14th and 7th December are the most preferred dates for gatherings.
- Group bookings have notably risen, accounting for 26% of total reservations.
In the wake of an unexpectedly wet summer, British consumers are eagerly planning for the upcoming festive season, with a significant 54% increase in Christmas bookings observed for 2024 when compared to the same period in 2023. This early surge is indicative of a prosperous season ahead for the hospitality sector, as noted by experts in the field.
Significantly, over half of these bookings, precisely 52%, are for Christmas Day itself. This is a marked rise from last year’s statistic of 44% around the same time, showcasing a growing trend among the populace to secure plans for this landmark day well in advance.
Furthermore, Saturdays 14th and 7th December have emerged as the most popular dates for festive gatherings. This preference highlights the strategic planning by many to capitalize on weekends conducive to larger celebrations.
The increase is further bolstered by a 38% rise in group bookings, defined as reservations for 10 or more people. These group bookings now make up 26% of all reservations for December, reflecting a notable shift towards more communal festive celebrations.
Tim Chapman, Chief Commercial Officer at Zonal, commented on these findings, highlighting, “Christmas 2024 is already looking positive for hospitality – with bookings up on this time last year. With group bookings looking to be particularly popular, there is even more reason for operators to celebrate, but to also get prepared.” He stressed the importance for hospitality operators to have booking systems capable of managing large party bookings efficiently, thus alleviating administrative burdens and ensuring smooth operations during the bustling holiday period.
The data underscores a promising outlook for the hospitality industry as it heads into the 2024 festive season.
