Research Just Out - August 2009

Welcome to our August 2009 research group page where you'll find the most recently released research findings from South West Tourism and our partners before they're out on general release.

We hope you find the information on this page useful. When you get a chance, please tell us how business is for you by taking part in our quick monthly online Business Snapshot Survey. 

This Month ...

• Peak Season Research - June survey of South West accommodation providers and attractions
• Holiday Taking in 2009 - South West Tourism Omnibus Research
• Occupancy data - January to May 2009
• Domestic visitor statistics - Quarter 1 (January to March) 2009
• Economic Downturn Research by VisitBritain
• Latest Business Snapshot

Read the overviews on this page or click the full report downloads for further detail.

Peak Season Research

Research undertaken in June 2009 interviewing South West accommodation providers and attractions found that:

• Approximately 1 in 5 accommodation businesses were fully booked for the school summer holiday period with the largest proportions of businesses reporting increases in the self catering and caravan and camping sectors.
• Approximately three quarters of attractions were expecting an increase in visitors compared to the School Summer Holiday period of 2008.
• Those attractions holding special promotions or events were more likely to be expecting increases.
• Of those attractions with decreased spend; many stated that picnics are being brought on site with only drinks being purchased.

Read the full report

Holiday Taking in 2009 - South West Tourism Omnibus Research

Recently conducted national research suggests that:

• Less UK residents are intending to take a main holiday this year compared to those who actually took one last year.
• There are likely to be fewer overseas trips in 2009 compared to 2008.
• The majority of people not planning to take a main holiday gave reasons other than the current economic climate and the weather.
• Indications are that more people will be holidaying at home in 2009, however, they will be considering making savings on shopping and on eating and drinking out.

Read the full report

Occupancy

Occupancy data for South West Self Catering and Serviced Accommodation for January to May 2009. 

• Serviced accommodation occupancy data confirms a slow start to 2009, with both room and bedspace occupancy for the region down on 2008 levels.
• When bedspace occupancy is analysed by location, urban areas were the best performing areas for the first three months of the year.

For more information and to take part in the Occupancy Surveys, click here.

Read the full report

Domestic visitor statistics - Quarter 1 (Jan to March) 2009

Recently released United Kingdom Tourism Survey data for UK visitors to the South West (for leisure or business reasons) shows:

• Compared to 2008, the first 3 months of 2009 got off to a slow start.
• Visitor numbers to the region decreased significantly as did overall spending.
• There was however a slight increase in the average length of stay in the South West for this period.

Read the full report

Economic Downturn Research

VisitBritain have recently released research, conducted in 2009, to monitor consumer behaviour during the economic downturn.

Research indicates:

• There is decreasing concern over the economic climate, with 1 in 5 now feeling the worst is behind us, and 3 in 10 feeling economic recovery will start within a year.
• As a result, there is little change since February in the amount of people feeling affected by the downturn or modifying their behaviour because of it (however it's important to note that the amount of people who are modifying their behaviour has not reduced since February).
• Accommodation and food & drink remain key targets for cutting holiday spend with more free activities and attractions, reduced spending on other purchases/shopping and fewer shows/evenings out also high on the list.
• One in four continue to feel that day trips will replace weekends/short breaks in next 12 months.

Read the full report

Business Snapshot

The monthly business snapshot survey is designed to provide a regular indication of tourism business levels in the south west.

• The most recent April 2009 Snapshot shows that on average business levels were similar to those experienced in April 2008.
• However, 43% reported an increase, 39% reported a decrease and 17% reported business levels were about the same.
• 51% of businesses surveyed were less optimistic for the prospects of the tourism industry in the region than this time last year. 

Read the full report

The May Snapshot questionnaire is still online. Please take a couple of minutes to complete the latest questionnaire and help us build up a robust picture of business levels in the region.

Click here to take part in the latest survey online

Do you have a comment about the research on this page? 
Is this information useful?
How do you intend to use this research?
Is there any other research you would like to see on this page ?

Please leave your comments and feedback below, or email our research team.