Hospitality industry forecasts 70% of normal revenue to return when outdoor service resumes on the 12th of April.
Analysis from S4labour indicates that hospitality operators are forecasting 70% of revenue compared to the same week in 2019 (not 2020). The figure of 70% is somewhat remarkable considering that the vast majority of capacity, i.e. inside, will be unavailable. The research is also encouraging as the sector prepares to re-open with over a week left to secure even more bookings.
The figures represent only sites that are preparing to re-open on the 12th of April and it is important to note that a large number of operators either have no outside space or not enough outdoor space to make opening feasible.
S4labour’s Chief Customer Officer Sam Wignell, commented “the figure of 70% of revenue compared with 2019 is in line with anecdotal evidence from conversations across the sector. There has been a scramble and huge investment to prepare outside spaces for the 12th of April, however, it comes with a large dose of caution as much of the pent-up demand could quickly be washed away with poor weather.”
Alastair Scott, MD of S4labour and owner of Malvern Inns who operate 3 pubs, added “we have seen an unprecedented amount of bookings in all of our sites with customers showing a clear desire to meet up and start enjoying hospitality once more”.
