April 2023

April 2023

64 businesses took the time to complete our seventh survey focusing on past quarter performance, enquiries and bookings and optimism levels.

The past quarter in focus, January to March, can be a quieter quarter for some sectors of the industry. Key quarter highlights included increased occupancy/visitor numbers and repeat visits. Barriers reported were along the continued themes of costs and the weather.

When reviewing enquiries and bookings for the next 3 months (April to June), we see a significant chunk of respondents stating they have fewer than normal enquiries and bookings, reflecting rising energy costs, the cost of living crisis and the impact these are having on confidence levels, discretionary income and decision making. For the 3 month+ period (July 2023 onwards), it is positive to see the number of businesses stating enquiries and bookings are the same as normal, and several businesses stating they are seeing more than normal enquiries and bookings coming through for the peak summer period and beyond.

The final question within our survey explores business optimism across three time periods. It is positive to see the significant increase in businesses stating they are feeling optimistic about the short-term, as well as the medium to longer-term, most likely a reflection of where we are in the season. Over 60% of the sample stated they feel optimistic about the next 3 months, and the next 12 months.

You will find the full set of findings in our slide deck, together with an easily accessible Factsheet via the links below. We use the survey results when speaking with our stakeholders and to inform our own business decisions within the organisation. We hope you find the results useful, and welcome any comments you have.

To discuss the Monitor or any insights related enquiries, contact Deirdre O’Donnell at insights@visitabdn.com.