Olympic effect hits Festival hotel bookings

EDINBURGH’S tourism industry has been badly hit by the impact of the Olympics clashing with the capital’s festivals – despite ticket sales rallying since the end of the games.

New figures released to Scotland on Sunday reveal that ­hotel bookings in the capital were down 18 per cent in the first two weeks of August.

Many hoteliers had to cut their rates at the last minute after being left with empty rooms, with industry leaders admitting the market was “flat” in the capital.

The high cost of flying into the UK, the impact of the ­recession on consumer confidence and interest in the ­Olympics have all been keeping visitors away from the city.

Mike Cantlay, chair of Visit­Scotland, said it had been a “challenging” summer, with bad weather deterring visitors.

However, a post-Olympics ticket sales boom, the advent of major new venues and a campaign to keep shops open later than normal is thought to have sparked a revival in the second half of the month.

Major Fringe venues admitted earlier this month that ticket sales were lower than expected, with many blaming the local audience for staying in to watch the Olympics ­instead of taking in shows.

However, the Edinburgh ­Hotels Association said wider issues had affected booking levels, which by the end of the third week were down by 12 per cent compared to 2011.

Chairman Colin Paton said: “I’d say the main impact was the cost of travel to the UK over this period compared to other international cities. Many visitors to Edinburgh are going on two-city breaks to the UK and would normally take in London and that market was way down.

“The first week was down 19 per cent and the first two weeks by 18 per cent. It’s only after week three there has been a difference after the Olympics, as the total number of bookings is down 12 per cent.”