New research shows hospitality bookings for Christmas up 41% on last year

Christmas Day books are also up

New figures from hospitality technology supplier Zonal, show reservations for the month of December are already up by 41% on 2022 and that bookings for Christmas Day itself are up 59%.

The data suggests that, despite the cost-of-living-crisis, the festive season is looking "positive" for the hospitality sector. 

With no-shows doubling in the last year, however, operators need to have the right booking systems in place. 

The latest figures from Zonal’s #ShowUpForHospitality campaign, show no-shows creeping up from 6% to 12% over the last 12-months – at a cost of £17.59 billion a year to the industry.

Zonal said: "Operators that have implemented booking systems that send out automatic reminders and confirmation communications and which make it easy for customers to cancel or amend their bookings will be best placed to minimise the risk of people simply not turning up for reservations, during this key sales period."

Olivia FitzGerald, chief sales and marketing officer of Zonal, added: “The increase in Christmas Day bookings is very welcome news for the industry and it’s great that people are keen to spend time in their favourite venues to celebrate. 

"Whilst bookings are up, we’re conscious that people’s plans change and we’re keen to ensure that people can easily amend or cancel their bookings so that hospitality venues don’t suffer no-shows, especially at this important time of the year. 

"The impact of no-shows could be costly but we hope that our #ShowUpForHospitality campaign raises awareness amongst consumers about the importance of honouring a booking and supports the industry in helping them to mitigate the impact of this occurring.”