Large increase in bookings for the first weekend after lifting of travel restrictions and Easter

The lifting of travel restrictions has brought back hope to the tourist sector after a few months with a practically non-existent level of activity. "The situation we have is not what we need, but it is a step forward," says director general of Tourism, Octavi Bono, in statements to ACN. Catalans' "desire to travel" has resulted in an increase in bookings, especially in rural cottages of the Catalan interior and the mountains. Many of these bookings are planned over Easter.

Thus, in Cerdanya, hoteliers expect to exceed 50% occupancy this weekend. In spite of the increase in reservations due to the end of the regional confinement, this percentage is similar to the figures of a weekend in winter before the pandemic. Moreover, for now, only smaller family establishments are expected to open.

In the whole of the Alt Pirineu and Aran, the volumes of occupation and opening of establishments for this weekend could be very similar. The announcement of the relaxation of mobility restrictions caused an avalanche of calls to make reservations and many inquiries about cancellation policies. In any case, a good part of these will focus around the Easter holidays, as explained by the president of the Federació d'Hostaleria de Lleida, Josep Castellarnau.

To the impact of the pandemic on the tourist sector this year is added to an early Easter, between the end of March and the beginning of April. "The snow resorts are doing very well because they can ensure better conditions for skiing, but in coastal areas the period between Easter and the start of the summer season in mid-May is going to be very long," explains Bono.

Growing hope for Easter

Beyond the impact of this weekend's bookings, the sector celebrates the easing of mobility restrictions over Easter. "The rural tourism or destinations that allow outdoor activities are having a great demand. It is logical," says Muro.