Hotelier: A disappointing year - but we'll bounce back

Published on Thursday 27 January 2011 18:12

WE DID notice a decline in business last year - not a huge decline, but just enough to notice, rather than cause us to panic.

It's difficult to cite a specific reason for why this happened.

The recession has definitely been a factor, as many people are too concerned about it to commit to planning a holiday too far ahead.

However, the problems created by the volcanic ash cloud also led many people to cut back, after spending more money than expected stuck in foreign countries and airports.

Although last year fell short of our expectations, we are much more hopeful for 2011, and we feel a decision not to increase prices this year will also benefit the hotel.

As well as keeping our prices at 2010 figures, we already have in place a number of special offers for stays at the hotel.

Offering Christmas and New Year breaks at the previous year's prices encouraged many people to book another short break.

It is important to avoid scaring people away from booking breaks, and we think our offers will encourage people to recommend a stay at the hotel to others.

We already work with VisitScotland on a business side, to allow us to reach a wider market, and we will be attending its Expo event later this year.

• Norma Lindsay is the general manager of the Kenmore Hotel, by Loch Tay, in Perthshire.