News / Hospitality
Bristol hoteliers express ‘cautious optimism’ for new year
Bristol hoteliers have expressed “cautious optimism” for the new year, despite the ongoing financial pressures facing the sector.
Adam Flint, chair of the Bristol Hoteliers Association (BHA), said the end of 2025 was “stable overall”, with hotels outside the city centre reporting stronger Christmas trading, while central Bristol experienced slightly softer demand.
He said: “The festive season and finish to 2025 was stable overall. While busy, central Bristol seems to have struggled a little more, while hotels away from the centre reported increased Christmas party business in November and December.
“After a generally strong Q4 for the industry, and while the start of a new year is traditionally slower, we are hoping for some good traction again as people return to visit Bristol for work and leisure.”
Adam Flint, chair of the Bristol Hoteliers Association (BHA), said the end of 2025 was “stable overall” – photo: BHA
Flint warned that the first quarter remains challenging, with companies often cutting back on meetings and events and preparing for cost increases such as the rise in the living wage in April.
While hotels can plan for these changes, he said rising costs continue to place pressure on margins.
Bristol’s hospitality sector enjoyed a purple patch in autumn 2025 during the Women’s Rugby World Cup, when around 92,000 fans travelled to the city for two quarter-finals and both semi-finals at Ashton Gate Stadium.
It is estimated that the tournament generated a £15m windfall for the city’s economy, with a significant proportion of the revenue spent on hotels and hospitality.
The Bristol leg of the Women’s Rugby World Cup generated a £15m windfall for the city, with a significant portion was spent on hospitality and hotels – photo: Martin Booth
Despite the challenges ahead, Flint pointed to several upcoming events expected to boost demand, including the Bristol Light Festival, the Six Nations Rugby in nearby Cardiff and Cheltenham Festival week, all of which usually drive increased hotel bookings.
He added: “Bristol has a huge amount to offer corporate clients and tourists, and with a wide range of special events happening all year round, we are trying to be positive.
Bristol hoteliers have expressed “cautious optimism” for the new year, despite the “ongoing financial pressures” facing the sector – photo: Milan Perera
“While there are still many challenges facing us, we hope 2026 will be a happy new year for Bristol’s hotels.”
Main photo: Milan Perera
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