No gloom at the Inn as Britons choose ‘Bed and Brexit’

A combination of a low pound, the Brexit vote and the triggering of Article 50 has delivered a surge in bookings at Britain’s world-famous Bed and Breakfasts.

Analysisof booking data from more than 5,000 Bed and Breakfasts carried out by eviivo, online booking specialists for independent hotels and B&Bs, indicates that forward bookings are up almost 20 per cent year on year compared with the same pre-Brexit-vote period.

Says Thomas Messett of eviivo: “There’s no doubt the Brexit vote and subsequent invoking of Article 50 have had a measurable positive impact on bookings at Britain’s B&Bs. There is no gloom at the Inn.

“Our B&B customers are seeing two benefits from a lower pound. First, more bookings from UK consumers concerned about their reduced spending power abroad. Second, an increase in bookings from international customers, keen to take the opportunity to enjoy a British break at a favourable exchange rate.”

A poll of eviivo’s 5,000 Bed and Breakfast owners also found that the majority support the Brexit decision. The result was slightly more decisive than the actual poll, with 48.3 per cent favouring the decision to leave the EU and 45.8 per cent favouring continued membership.  The remainder were undecided.  Almost two thirds said that there was no need for a second referendum.

Nearly two thirds of owners also expected to see an increase in foreign guests this year, reflecting the attractive exchange rate conditions.