Cheltenham Festival income a "little blip" compared to energy price debt, says hotel owner
Owner of the Cleeve Hill Hotel, Lindsey Holland, isn't "sitting around rolling in it" after a crippling winter
Last updated 13th Mar 2023
Research by the University of Gloucestershire revealed Cheltenham Festival brings in £274 million pounds to the local economy, but the owner of Cleeve Hill Hotel says the extra income doesn't compare to the debt caused by the rise in energy costs.
Lindsey Holland owns the hotel and represents Hospitality & Events for the Cheltenham Chamber of Commerce, she says people think the races means local businesses are "sitting around rolling in it".
She added, "It's a lovely start to the year, absolutely, it is nice to pick up faster and stronger in a month that could be quieter.
"But in terms of recouping anything lost in the winter, I'm afraid to say it is a little blip.
"In terms of the staggering utility bills, we are very much in a debt situation.
"From that point of view we aren't sitting around rolling in it, let's put it that way."
With one eye on the Cheltenham Races, many businesses like Lindsey's will have the other on the Chancellor's budget.
They'll be wanting to see if Chancellor Jeremy Hunt will extend the government's Energy Bill Relief Scheme which is set to finish at the end of March.
Train strikes planned for St Patrick's Thursday
On top of energy prices, the much needed boost of Cheltenham Festival has been curtailed by planned RMT strikes on Thursday (16 March) and Saturday (18th of March).
After receiving a new pay offer, the RMT have called off part of the strike. However, it only means National Rail workers won't be taking industrial action and operators will still be effected.
Lindsey Holland says this has led to cancellations and empty rooms inside the Cleeve Hill Hotel.
She says, "I've had people had to cancel because they were using public transport.
"I've had two cancellations, and in fairness I've given the deposits back because it's not their fault.
"I have a couple of empty rooms at the end of the week, which hopefully will go, but it is really frustrating when you feel like you've hit the perfect fill of the hotel and then it all goes wobbly again.
She's also worried train strikes will lead to more people on the road, meaning it might become harder for her guests to get to the racecourse by taxi.
The Cheltenham Festival gets underway with Champions Day (14th March), with 70,000 racegoers expected at Prestbury Park.