A good Hogmanay and the heavy snow fall in mid-February which led to a busy fortnight in the strath for the half-term holidays has been cited as the main reasons for the rise in visitor numbers so far.

The results from the Aviemore and the Cairngorms Business Barometer for January to the end of March attracted a total of 51 responses out of around 330 tourism-related businesses in the area.

In general terms, local business confidence remains positive with a six per cent rise amongst local tourism operators in overall confidence compared to the last quarter of 2008.

The report conducted by email which allows local businesses to respond anonymously is compiled by Aviemore and the Cairngorms Destination Management Ltd Chief executive Alan Rankin said: "The survey has yet again identified that the area, in the eyes of local businesses, is faring well in the current economic climate.

"The ACDM surveys indicate we have experienced a better Christmas and New Year, followed up with an increased level of business over the February half-term.

"Although out with the period of this survey there is evidence that Easter outperformed last year and the year before. All of this is very positive news but we cannot be complacement.

"The survey again shows that many businesses are unlikely to invest in owner or manager training, staff training levels will remain low and that investment in marketing may slip."

The survey revealed that confidence in the coming 24 months is 15 per cent higher than it was last quarter.

Mr Rankin said: "It is apparent from these figures that local tourism businesses have a positive outlook of even the short term despite the economic uncertainty. This is supported by reports from across the country indicating a surge in the levels of domestic tourism business."

February showed an overall increase in business levels in the strath but this was not the case across the board with 36 per cent of businesses reporting a fall of 10 per cent or more on 2008 trade whilst 64 per cent reported similar to better levels.

Mr Rankin said: "Such a trend has been noticed in previous quarters where some businesses are doing exceptionally well where others find trading conditions very challenging.

"In occupancy terms accommodation providers reported a slight increase to the same period in 2008 and forecast a further strengthening in the coming year.

"Overall turnover levels show an increase over the last 12 months to the previous year but as with occupancy rates there is a wide range of winners and losers when compared to the same period last year."

In terms of training, where staff are employed, it is anticipated that 31 per cent plan not to invest in any staff training, 50 per cent will do the same to less leaving 14 per cent planning to do slightly more.

Sixty per cent of the businesses responding said they will maintain current levels of marketing activity, 20 per cent less and 20 per cent more.

Business costs continue to rise but are not expected to rise so steeply as in 2008, according to those quizzed. However, there has been a big jump in concern that overall tourism trends could have a negative impact on profits in the coming year.

Visitor trends remain similar to previous quarters with the home UK market showing an increase but a drop from the south of England and a slight increase in European visitors.

The strath continues to develop a loyal customer base with business reporting that main customer profile are regular visitors (three or more times) followed by returners (two to three times) and then first-time visitors.

Mr Rankin added: "Such a strong loyal customer base is likely to stand the area in good stead in the coming year as holiday makers will, if they are cutting back on leisure spend, look to go to an area they know and trust."

The survey attracted 51 responses from businesses across the Badenoch and Stathspey area of which 41 per cent came from the Nethy Bridge to Grantown area, 33 per cent from the Aviemore area and 26 per cent from Kincraig to Dalwhinnie area.

Self catering accounted for 22 per cent of responses with hotels, guest houses and B&BS making up 41 per cent of the respondents and activity and attractions providers 24 per cent. Food drink, retail business tourism and other businesses made up the remainder.

musgrove_g@spp-group.com

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