Will November Be Quiet Before a 90% Surge on New Year's Eve?

In Svaneti, the "Mountain Cabins" complex in Mestia is anticipating a busy New Year's Eve, expecting an occupancy rate of between 90% and 100%. Despite November being a quiet month for bookings, the founder, Ekaterine Japaridze, reports that active reservations will begin from 20 December, with current bookings for the month already at 30%.

Last updated: 01 November 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

As winter approaches, the "Mountain Cabins" complex is gearing up for a surge in visitors, particularly from late December onwards. Although November is typically a low season for tourism in the region, the anticipation for the Christmas and New Year period is high. Japaridze noted that the tourist flow is expected to increase significantly as the holiday season approaches, with December usually marking the beginning of the active winter season for the area.

Key takeaways

Current occupancy for December is at 30%, expected to rise sharply.
New Year's Eve bookings could reach full capacity, between 90% and 100%.
January often sees an 80% occupancy rate due to the ski season.

Timeline: how we got here

Over the past six years, "Mountain Cabins" has established itself in the local market, providing unique accommodation options next to the ski lift in Mestia. Key milestones include:

Opened six years ago, becoming a staple for tourists in Svaneti.
Notable growth in bookings during the winter season, especially around holidays.
Active marketing efforts leading up to the peak winter months.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

The complex is seeing early signs of bookings, with a current 30% occupancy for December. The anticipation for the holiday season is palpable, as potential visitors prepare for their trips.

What was already established

It has been recognised that December typically marks the beginning of a robust winter tourism season in Svaneti, with previous years showing strong interest and bookings from both local and international tourists, particularly during peak times like New Year's Eve.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

For UK residents planning to visit, booking accommodations early is crucial due to the expected high demand during the festive season. With travel and accommodation prices likely to increase as the holiday nears, timely planning can help avoid higher costs.

Businesses and jobs

The surge in tourism during the winter months benefits local businesses, including restaurants, ski rentals, and other services that rely on visitor numbers. This influx can lead to increased employment opportunities within the sector.

Policy and regulation

The hospitality industry is expected to remain compliant with local regulations regarding health and safety, especially as visitor numbers rise. Any updates on travel restrictions or regulations will be closely monitored by local businesses to ensure a smooth operation.

Numbers that matter

30%: Current booking rate for December.
90-100%: Expected occupancy for New Year’s Eve.
80%: Typical occupancy rate in January, indicative of the ski season's popularity.

Definitions and jargon buster

Occupancy rate: The percentage of available accommodation that is occupied by guests.
Ski season: The period during winter when skiing is most popular, typically running from December to March in Svaneti.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

Expect increased tourism activity leading up to Christmas, with significant growth in bookings from mid-December onwards.

Medium term (1–6 months)

Monitor how the ski season unfolds, as January typically sees a drop in visitors after the holiday rush. Local businesses will need to adapt to changing visitor patterns.

Signals to watch

Booking trends leading up to the holidays.
Visitor feedback and occupancy rates post-New Year.
Local and international travel regulations that could impact tourism.

Practical guidance

Do

Book accommodations early to secure the best rates.
Check travel advisories and local regulations before travelling.
Explore local attractions and activities to enhance your visit.

Don’t

Leave bookings to the last minute, especially during peak times.
Overlook travel insurance, which can be beneficial during unpredictable winter weather.

Checklist

Confirm your travel dates and accommodation as early as possible.
Research local dining and entertainment options in advance.
Prepare for winter weather by packing appropriate clothing and gear.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

It is important to note that while bookings are increasing, uncertainties around travel restrictions or sudden changes in tourist behaviour could affect the anticipated occupancy rates. Weather conditions can also impact the ski season, potentially leading to fluctuations in visitor numbers.

Bottom line

As the winter season approaches, "Mountain Cabins" in Mestia is poised for a busy period, with high expectations for occupancy around the New Year. For UK tourists, planning ahead will be key to enjoying a seamless travel experience in this picturesque region of Svaneti.

FAQs

What is the expected occupancy rate for New Year’s Eve at "Mountain Cabins"?

The expected occupancy rate for New Year’s Eve at "Mountain Cabins" is between 90% and 100%.

When do bookings typically start to increase for the winter season?

Bookings typically start to increase around 20 December, leading into the holiday season.

What should UK tourists know before visiting Svaneti?

UK tourists should plan their bookings early, check travel regulations, and prepare for winter weather conditions when visiting Svaneti.