Bookings from the USA and China have increased in the week after the Brexit vote, according to Figures released from Best Western Great Britain. The hotel group said that one hotel in Edinburgh reported a ten-fold increase in bookings from America and Chinese bookings up nearly 50% compared with the same week last year.
Best Western says the pattern has continued in York, where hotels have seen an increase in international bookings with one hotel recording a 236% increase in bookings from America in the post-Brexit, while in Cambridge, Chinese bookings increased 6% and in the Lake District a 10% increase in international bookings was recorded at one property.
Rob Payne, chief executive of Best Western Great Britain said: “We know it is early days but we are seeing a double bounce to business as a result of Brexit. We’ve seen an increase in international bookings to some of our hotels in great British locations and we’re exploring this further to see how widespread these numbers are. Interestingly, we are also seeing an increase in enquiries from hotel owners wanting to join the Best Western brand since the referendum.”
Best Western has recruited additional staff to its head office in York to help with the demand and interest in membership enquiries. In the month before the referendum Best Western recorded a 30% increase in membership enquiries, its highest level in recent years, and a trend that has continued since the vote.
Payne added: “Owners and managers are telling us that they are worried about what the impact of Brexit will mean longer term which makes our membership model, global reach and economies of scale reassuring and attractive in these uncertain times.”
Best Western Great Britain represents over 260 properties across the country.
