Online restaurant bookings surge

17th February 2009, 10:59am

The recession did little to dampen romantic spirits over the weekend as figures show that online restaurant bookings for Valentine's Day were up 300% on last year, as people continue to dine out.

Statistics captured by Livebookings – whose network includes more than 17,000 restaurants and 500 booking partners – showed that in just 12 months online bookings have rocketed.

Aside from the 14th February, January was the month of promotions, with restaurateurs becoming more aware that they had to work harder to keep their customers coming.

Restaurants continue to offer their 2-4-1 deals and discounts to pull in the punters.

Livebookings' chief operating officer, David Norris, reassures that for the Valentine's Day diner it's not necessarily about cheap and cheerful: "Bookings came through thick and fast. Valentine's Day fell on a Saturday this year so restaurateurs experienced a huge boost to bookings throughout the weekend, with increased activity on Friday night, Saturday lunch and Sunday too.

"The good news is that the increase was not just in response to promotions, but also for a la carte menus. This is a great sign that shows that restaurants have an opportunity to redeem some of the poor trade seen towards the end of 2008."

Related Articles:

• 27 Jan 2011 - Some 39% of restaurants don't have a website, finds Livebookings
• 17 Feb 2010 - Restaurant marketing expert Livebookings reveals first Academy Event for 2010
• 07 Dec 2009 - Restaurant marketing expert Livebookings holds its final Academy this week
• 06 Nov 2009 - Livebookings announces its fourth academy event
• 27 Oct 2009 - Livebookings reveals top eating out bugbears
• 16 Oct 2009 - UK restaurant trade to be 'boosted' by new 118 118 service
• 12 Oct 2009 - Livebookings appoints key account manager
• 30 Jun 2009 - Success for Livebookings' third academy event
• 18 Jun 2009 - Livebookings announces third Academy event
• 15 Apr 2009 - Livebookings Academy to launch
• 14 Apr 2009 - How restaurants can boost business through the web
• 08 Apr 2009 - Online bookings grow by 150%
• 30 Mar 2009 - New marketing director at Livebookings
• 04 Mar 2009 - Restaurant industry will return to growth in 2010

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