Travel and food: better together
Holidaying and eating out go hand-in-hand, according to OpenTable's latest Quarterly Diner Survey.
Restaurant-goers were asked how they feel about travelling and dining out while on holiday along with other topics, such as their take on paying deposits for reservations.
Travel is back with a bang
Travel is back in full swing this year, with more than half of holidaymakers planning to take three to four trips during the summer. But what does that mean for their eating habits whilst they're away?
It turns out that 58% said they planned to enjoy their holiday by eating out for all or most meals while away. Furthermore, almost a quarter wanted to travel to explore new places, and no exploration is complete without trying new restaurants.
For restaurants hoping to attract diners while on holiday, now is a great time to boost your marketing, especially as recent travel trends look likely to continue into the autumn and winter months.
Are deposits the answer to no-shows?
Beyond the travel excitement, diners are keen to secure their spot at top restaurants – whether abroad or at home.
Of those asked in the Quarterly Dining Survey, more than 70% said they would be likely to pay up to £50 to safeguard their reservation at a fine-dining restaurant.
And when it comes to a large group reservation or special occasion, 82% would strongly consider paying a deposit to protect their reservation.
Restaurants often look for ways to reduce no-shows and the hassle that comes with them. With diners open to paying in advance, asking for deposits in specific scenarios can be a smart way to help ensure guests keep their initial reservations.
