A hotel owner and the President of the Lake District Hospitality Association, Mr Denby had warned the Tourism Minister that the Olympics would have disastrous consequences as long haul visitors cancelled their UK grand tours, which take in the capital before heading to the peace and tranquillity of the Lakes. As Japanese tour operators cancelled their trips, due to perceived issues over travel chaos and inflated accommodation costs during the Games, Mr Denby saw his projected occupancy levels fall from 85% to 54%.
Yet average occupancy for his four hotels over the Olympic period now stands at a record high of 96.09% with an accompanying increase in turnover of 22.6%; the best two week trading period in the group’s history.
Mr Denby explains,
“I’ve been proved wrong and I’m happy to admit it. I was very gloomy about the effect the Games would have and feared that coupled with the overcoat summer and the overdraft economy they would trigger the worst ever summer for business in the Lakes.
But we launched an Olympic Special Offer for each of the hotels and it has seen our website and phones inundated with bookings, particularly from Londoners wanting to escape the anticipated chaos and watch the Games from the peace and tranquillity of the Lake District.
What’s more Team GB’s amazing medal tally has put everyone in such a good mood that they’ve been happy to spend freely in our bars and restaurants. The performance of all the hotels is such that if we were competing athletes other countries would be demanding we take a drug test. I’m very happy to eat humble pie, and I’m drinking a glass of Champagne with it!”
ENDS
For more information contact Jonathan Denby on 07733 322394
Notes for Editors
http://www.bestlakesbreaks.co.uk
Mr Denby owns South Lakes Hotels comprising Damson Dene Hotel, Riverside Hotel, Newby Bridge Hotel and Cuckoo Brow Inn. Between the premises, Mr Denby had 150 bedrooms to fill every day during the Olympic period.
Images of Mr Denby eating humble pie and drinking champagne can be arranged, please contact him as above.
