Hotels in Bunbury have an occupancy rate that fluctuates less throughout the year than the occupancy rate for backpackers hostels in the city.
Occupancy rates for backpacker accommodation in Bunbury, Western Australia is very seasonal.
The busy season commences in late September and continues through until late April.
Outside of this busy season, occupancy rates fall dramatically.
The greater variation between the two seasons creates various problems for the hostel manager.
The obvious problem is a dramatic fall in income.
The quiet season should be used to complete maintenance and devise methods to increase occupancy rates.
The occupancy rate throughout the year for backpackers hostels in Bunbury, Western Australia is very different from hotels and motels.
Most hotels and motels in Bunbury have an average annual occupancy rate of 80%.
Backpacker hostels in Bunbury have an average annual occupancy rate of 45%.
The difference in occupancy rates is explainable Occupancy rates for hotels and motels in Bunbury is less seasonal than at a backpacker hostel in Bunbury.
Bunbury has a shortage of hotel and motel accommodation which ensures occupancy rates are steady throughout the year.
Hotels and motels also receive business oriented guests who would not stay at backpackers hostel.
Many backpacker hostels do not have an attached bathroom to the bedroom, which does limit the guests willing to stay.
Most guests staying at a backpackers hostel are sightseeing, young at heart and want to do their travelling during the times of the year when the weather conditions are more pleasant.
Jobs for the hostel manager during the quiet season Maintenance on the hostel building and grounds is a task that all managers of hostels, which have variations in seasonal occupancy rates, strive to complete before the next to busy season.
Often the hostel manager will perform the maintenance themselves to avoid paying costly maintenance fees while monthly income is low.
How guests can be encouraged to stay Regardless of how creative a hostel manager may be in encouraging guests to stay at the backpackers hostel, if the people are simply not travelling in the area, and occupancy rates will still remain low.
Some deals to encourage guests to stay longer may include staying for three nights but only paying for two, free unlimited Internet every day or free bicycle hire.
Accepting group bookings Group bookings by some types of groups and sports teams are not accepted by many accommodation providers, due to the antisocial behaviour displayed and the resulting damage to property.
The hostel manager may wish to accept group bookings from these groups and sports teams to increase his monthly income, but needs to ensure that a security deposit is charged to repair any damage to the hostel.
Take advantage of local events Accommodation in Bunbury is limited throughout the year.
The population increase and the development of business in the region has grown quickly.
The development of hotel and motel accommodation in Bunbury has progressed at a slower rate.
This means that when local events are held in Bunbury, accommodation vacancy rates are close to 0%.
Bunbury's backpacker hostels also become popular during these events.
The hostel manager needs to be aware of event dates and be prepared to charge premium rates when accepting bookings during these events times.
Consider reducing opening hours The hostel manager needs to consider reducing the opening hours of the business.
This will assist with minimising staff wages during this quiet time of the year.
A reduction in opening hours may also allow the hostel manager to seek part-time work to supplement their monthly income.
Travellers seeking accommodation in Bunbury, Western Australia, need to be aware that most types of accommodation are usually in strong demand.
It is always best to do your research and pre-book your accommodation in Bunbury, so you receive accommodation that is of a suitable quality, location and within your budget.