News / Hospitality
Bristol hoteliers hope for ‘early Christmas present’
Being buoyant after a few challenging years, Bristol hoteliers are hoping for an “early Christmas present” from the chancellor Rachel Reeves in the upcoming budget.
“We’re keeping everything crossed that the chancellor will be kind to us this autumn and recognise the huge contribution we make to the economy,” said Adam Flint, chair of the Bristol Hoteliers Association (BHA).
The recent Women’s Rugby World Cup brought a £15m economic boost to the city, with around 92,000 people from across the UK and abroad travelling to Bristol for two quarter-finals and both semi-finals at Ashton Gate Stadium.
It is also reported that many extended their stay to enjoy the city’s hotels, restaurants, shops and cultural attractions.
Rachel Reeves, chancellor of the exchequer will deliver the autumn budget on November 26 – photo: Lauren Hurley / No 10 Downing Street
Chancellor Rachel Reeves will deliver her statement on November 26, with Bristol’s hospitality sector calling for cuts to business rates, VAT and employer National Insurance.
Flint said the city’s hotels are enjoying a buoyant final quarter, boosted by the Women’s Rugby World Cup and news that work will soon begin on the YTL Arena.
“The final quarter of 2025 for the hotels and city is very buoyant compared to other quarters this year, which is very encouraging,” said Flint.
“We have enjoyed a wonderful end-of-summer boost, thanks to Bristol hosting two quarter-finals and both semi-finals of the Women’s Rugby World Cup, and only this week it was announced that work is finally set to begin on the long-awaited YTL Arena in Filton, so there is plenty of cause for optimism.”
Women’s Rugby World Cup has brought a 15m economic boost to the city – photo: Martin Booth
However he warned that rising food, energy and wage costs, alongside squeezed household budgets, continue to put pressure on the industry.
“Food and beverage costs are still rising – particularly over the past few months – as are energy bills, and many businesses are still coming to terms with the changes that came into force in April this year around National Insurance contributions and living wage increases,” said Flint.
He added that the continuing cost of living crisis is affecting consumers’ spending patterns too, with “leisure travel” often one of the first things to be dropped when household budgets are stretched.
Being buoyant after a few challenging years, Bristol hoteliers are hoping for an “early Christmas present” from the chancellor Rachel Reeves in the upcoming budget – photo: Milan Perera
Business West, the regional body that represents the interest of local businesses, has echoed the call of the British Chamber of Commerce of “no more tax on businesses”.
Matt Griffith, director of policy at Business West, said: “We want to see the government deliver on its commitment to growth, including investment in our region’s infrastructure, skills and housing that last beyond just one political cycle.
“We support the British Chambers of Commerce’s clear call to action that there should be no more tax on business.”
It is reported that many who travelled to Bristol for the Women’s Rugby World Cup extended their stay to enjoy the city’s hotels, restaurants, shops and cultural attractions – photo: Milan Perera
Main photo: BHA
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