The general manager of Lough Erne Resort in Co Fermanagh has said the hotel is set for its busiest January on record, despite closing its doors until 5 January earlier this week.
Speaking to MyFermanagh, Joanne Walsh said while it was necessary to take the decision to close the doors, it was frustrating that it comes during a boom in demand.
The resort announced this week that its accommodation and restaurants would close for non-wedding guests due to rising Covid cases in Co Fermanagh.
However, Joanne said people are still keen to go out, and the hotel was almost at capacity in terms of bookings for this Sunday despite not hosting a wedding.
“The most frustrating thing in all of this is the level of business is really strong, we have huge booking numbers,” Joanne said.
“We actually were due to have 212 guests on Sunday night alone, and that’s with no wedding on.
“It was from that that we had to make the decision, it just doesn’t seem a sensible idea with the cases the way they are at the moment.
“Business levels for January are incredibly strong, we are looking at our biggest January ever so the demand is still there.
“People are very much playing catch up from this year and they are still mad to get out.
“Even when speaking to people about cancellations this week, people are saying they will just come next week, or we’ll come another day.
“I’ve never really experienced demand like that for the first quarter like we have done, so the sickening thing in all this is that business levels were good.”
Staff having to self isolate led to the decision to close the venue, but Joanne added new public health guidance on testing could help to improve the situation.
“It was not an easy decision really. The impact that it has had on our staff means that we can’t really fulfil the correct level of service to our customers.
“Staff having to isolate for us has forced this decision, the isolation period for close contacts and because the cases have escalated so much in Fermanagh.
“We have had a really strong seven months, which we never thought we would have had when we were closed for five months.
“The mix up of going abroad and having to get tested or not get tested is still putting people off, and will continue at least for 2022 so they’ll continue to look at the stay at home market.”
