• Introduction
• Visitors - Volume & Value
• Accommodation & Attractions
• Self Catering Occupancy
• Serviced Occupancy
• Tourism Business Survey
• Customer Profiling
• Destination Benchmarking
• International Visitors

Occupancy Survey - Serviced Accommodation

What is it for?

Between 1997 and 2006, the English Regional Tourist Boards, along with the Northern Ireland, Scottish and Wales Tourist Boards surveyed guesthouses, hotels, and bed and breakfast (serviced accommodation) businesses. The information collected was reported on monthly and annually, and published as the United Kingdom Occupancy Survey (UKOS). This survey has now been replaced by an online England Occupancy Survey.  In Cumbria the survey continues to be operated by Cumbria Tourism, to allow for analysis of data at a relevant local and regional level.

Occupancy data for the county and at district level underpins strategic development of the tourism industry, and places Cumbria in a better position to identify appropriate courses of action. If you would like to download a summary copy of the serviced occupancy rates for Cumbria to date please click on the link below.

Serviced Occupancy Summary 1997-2008

How does it work?
The serviced accommodation occupancy survey is extremely successful, with over 200 businesses participating, ranging from one-bedroom B&Bs, to hotels with over 100 rooms. However, we are always on the lookout for new recruits to increase our sample and improve the reliability of the data we collect.

All we ask of recruits is completion of a simple monthly data form, showing rooms and beds occupied. All information supplied is treated in the strictest confidence. Occupancy data is never published alongside individual business names. Data forms are mailed out each month with postage paid envelopes for easy return.


What are the benefits?
In return, participants receive personal results detailing occupancy rates for each month. This can be extremely useful as proof of occupancy levels achieved - for example, in case businesses are sold on. It has also proved useful for some businesses in the past as supporting evidence for claiming rate relief, or accessing grants. Participants also receive monthly occupancy rates in the region, by district and by size of accommodation, to enable comparison of performance with similar business types in Cumbria, and a free annual report (normal retail value £25.00)


What does it cost?
Nothing - this is effectively a free benchmarking service for your business.



Next Steps
If you would like to join the occupancy survey, would like more detailed statistics, or have any questions, please contact Christine McVeigh on 015398 22222, or email cmcveigh@cumbriatourism.org.