Tough summer Resort traders hit by cost of living and fall in visitors

ENGLAND is set to record its hottest summer on record - but business owners in Weston-super-Mare say trade say has failed to match the weather.

- Johannah MATHEW

The Post has spoken to a range of people working in the resort. Almost all said visitor numbers had been noticeably down and those who were there were spending less money.

Many equated this to the cost-of-living crisis.

Alex Michael, the managing director of Revo Kitchen, said: “People are very conscious of money at the minute. With the cost of living and everything else that we've been experiencing, I think people want value for their money.

“They're more than happy to outlay large amounts of money, provided they see value in it and that it’s for an experience or it’s worthwhile. I think there's a lot less buying on a whim. It’s more like planned days out”

He added: “Visitor numbers are definitely down compared to last year in the town. The visitors that we are seeing aren’t staying as long as they used to. We're not seeing as many overnight visitors as we would have done. Before we would have had quite busy breakfast shifts but now they're very hit and miss.

“While I have been a bit doom and gloom, in reality we have had a good summer. Business has been great and the team have coped with it really well. Working in a seaside restaurant with the weather that we've had does have its challenges, it is challenging at moments, but the team have been brilliant.”

One member of staff at Cove West mentioned how this issue is particularly prevalent when the older generations “say no to their grandchildren, and with families often bringing old “buckets, spades and things to do with the beach” instead of buying new items when they arrive.