This month, Edinburgh will host the Fringe Festival, which will run from Friday 2 August to Monday 26 August, as well as the Edinburgh International Festival, the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo convention and the International Book Festival.
According to figures from UKHospitality (UKH), the events are expected to generate a 30% increase in daily sales for on-trade venues in the city with almost 250,000 visitors.
In addition, the trade body said hotels in Edinburgh were already reporting “strong demand”, with an average occupancy rate of 79% throughout August, peaking at 86.1%.
Crucial time
UKH Scotland executive director Leon Thompson commented: “Venues across the city will be packed, providing a much-needed meal, drink or bed for performers and guests alike.
“Fantastic hospitality is a central part for those visiting, as we showcase to visitors and residents what makes Scotland one of the leading tourist destinations in the world.”
Thompson added the sales boost these events provide was “invaluable”, with trade increasing by a third on average last year.
“We expect that to be replicated, and hopefully beaten this year. It’s brilliant to see such high demand for our hotels too, but those still confirming plans to visit Edinburgh this month can rest assured that there are still rooms available.
“This all comes at a crucial time for hospitality businesses, which continue to struggle with rising costs, and we hope to see hundreds of thousands of people enjoying the best of Edinburgh over the next month”, the executive director continued.
Real buzz
Clubhouse Bars Group’s operations manager Tony Pert told the Morning Advertiser (MA) the festival gives pubs in Edinburgh a “huge boost” as the population of the city “almost doubles”.
He said: “Customers seem to be happier and more energetic in August; it gives the city a real buzz with something on every day from shows to pop up bars and street food etc.”
To cope with the increased demand, the group, which operates four pubs across Edinburgh including the Jolly Botanist and The Doghouse, extends its opening times.
Pert explained: “The changes we make for the festival would be increasing our kitchen times until 10pm to try and attract the later tourist eaters. We also extend our general opening times to be open during the day.”
