February, 2025
How We Plan and Think Outside The Box
At Rapid Relocate, we understand that major events create demand for overnight accommodation significantly impacting availability and pricing. That’s why we proactively maintain a forward-looking Events Calendar to stay informed about key sporting events, concerts, and other large gatherings that could affect alternative accommodation solutions.
Planning around popular events
Whether it’s last year’s Taylor Swift concerts or this year’s much-anticipated Oasis tour, these events can cause accommodation prices to soar and availability to shrink. We recognise the importance of setting expectations with our customers, especially when relocations are planned in advance for building works. Considering what’s happening in the local area is a crucial step in our claims management.
By planning ahead and factoring in major events, we ensure that our customers are informed and prepared. Effective planning allows us to adapt the solutions we offer and avoid last-minute surprises, ensuring a smooth transition into alternative accommodation.
Collaborating with HotelshopUK
In collaboration with HotelshopUK, we meticulously track local, regional and national events that could influence accommodation options. Our detailed Events Calendar includes a variety of recurring annual events such as the Chelsea Flower Show, alongside concert dates and major sporting fixtures. When circumstances allow, we strategically manage bookings and claims spend to avoid inflated prices.
The Swiftie Effect
A prime example of event-driven price surges was seen during Taylor Swift’s concert in Cardiff on 18 June 2024. Hotel prices skyrocketed, with room rates reaching record highs. The Parkgate Hotel, for instance, was selling at an astonishing £601 for two adults, while a Premier Inn in the city centre charged £379, if a room could even be found!
These occurrences highlight the importance of our proactive planning and communication with customers to manage expectations during high-demand periods.
Customer-Centric Solutions
During peak event periods, we engage with customers to explore flexible options, such as:
- Staying temporarily with friends or family.
- Rescheduling planned works until after the event.
- Considering alternative accommodation options further away from their home for a short period.
- Taking advantage of our exclusive “Great Little Breaks,” offering cost-effective and enjoyable short stays in other locations until local prices stabilise.
Conclusion
We know that alternative accommodation is never a one-size-fits-all solution. By maintaining our forward looking Events Calendar and collaborating with trusted partners, we are able to provide reliable, cost-effective solutions while keeping our customers fully informed and prepared. Our goal is to minimise stress and maximise comfort, even in the face of both expected and unexpected surges in demand.
