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Capacity utilisation is about making the most effective use of your assets. Across Scotland there are varying levels of occupancy, and there is seldom 100% occupancy anytime, anywhere.

There are 40 million potential bednights, across all accommodation sectors, and many are under-utilised.  (This occurs for a number of reasons, including some owners who do not offer accommodation services 365 days per year).  

The ambition for growth translates into an additional 17 million bednights per annum. Current spare capacity could, ideally, absorb some of this increase.

However, patterns of business vary among the seasons and across the regions. They will never be even over the whole country but there is clearly potential to achieve higher occupancy in most businesses.

The challenge for all tourism businesses (not just accommodation providers) is to increase the volume of visitors and to reduce any spare capacity.

Successful examples of this include some of our visitor attractions where the season has been extended and adjustments made to daily opening hours. This has encouraged increased footfall.

These changes have been welcomed as research has shown that Scotland’s opening hours are not always the most convenient for our visitors.

There are considerable benefits from maximising occupancy throughout the season – not just for the business – but also the wider community.

Additional customers provide employment opportunities essential to the economic well-being and sustainability of the local community. Furthermore, the longer the season, the easier it is to recruit, train and retain valuable staff.