Anticipation mounts for the inaugural King's Birthday public holiday on June 12, with ResDiary data showing bookings are set to spike across the long weekend.
Analysing data from the past few years, the UK-based software company predicts an increase in bookings on the Monday public holiday and the evening before as diners make the most of a day off.
Stefan Overzier, APAC Head of Customer Service and Support at ResDiary, said public holidays present a mixed blessing for hospitality - on one hand they bring a potential influx of customers but on the other there is a much higher operating cost.
"The data shows that while bookings are higher on public holidays, diners prefer more casual venues, earlier seating times and smaller booking sizes. Savvy operators can analyse the data to respond to changes in dining habits and operate on reduced staff, hours or menus to ultimately ensure they are profitable."
Reservation Manager at The Prince Hotel Kirrawee, said despite the higher costs it's worthwhile opening on a public holiday considering they are one of the few venues in the area that do.
"In the past we have seen higher booking numbers over the weekend prior to the Queen's Birthday. The Sunday night in 2022 before the public holiday generated 180 more covers compared to a usual Sunday evening trade. Also, the day of the Queen's Birthday sees a higher lunch trade, easily doubling or tripling what we would normally see on a Monday."
ResDiary's top insights into booking trends for 2023:
- Staff up for the King's Birthday long weekend
With 34 per cent more bookings on previous Queen's Birthday public holidays compared to a usual Monday, it may be worth opening for the upcoming King's Birthday.
The findings also reveal that dinner bookings (5pm-9pm) make up the majority (42.7 per cent) of bookings on the Queen's Birthday, followed by 34 per cent lunch (12pm-4pm) and 23.3 per cent breakfast (6-11am).
- Mid-range venues win on Public Holidays
Mid-range venues such as pubs, clubs and cafés with a price point of $21 to $60, are busier on Public Holidays than other venues, accounting for nearly three quarters (70 per cent) of all bookings in Australia.
- More two-person reservations are needed
Booking data shows the most favourable booking size on most public holidays is two people accounting for over 40 per cent of bookings.
- Early lunches and early dinners are highly desirable
The data shows 12pm is the most preferred booking time for lunch, accounting for 15 per cent of all reservations and a whopping 64 per cent more bookings than 1pm. The data also revealed that 6pm is the most favourable booking time for dinner, accounting for 20 per cent of all reservations.
Stay up-to-date with the latest industry news with the Drinks Trade e-newsletter.
Share the content
