Bath is a small city with an outsized visitor market. It takes more than a quarter of all staying visits to the Bristol and Bath area, and over a third of the international ones. For a short-let owner, that means strong demand from holidaymakers, with more competition than the city's size suggests.
Here is what the latest figures from Visit West, the area's tourism body, show.
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Key takeaways
- Bath takes more than a quarter of all staying visits to the Bristol and Bath area.
- It takes over a third of the international staying visits.
- Demand comes mostly from holidaymakers.
- Christmas is one of Bath's most valuable periods.
- Competition is stronger than the city's size suggests.
Contents
- How many visitors come to the Bristol and Bath area?
- What is Bath's share of visitors?
- How many short lets are there in Bath?
- Where do visitors spend their money?
- How did Bath's hotels perform?
- How much does Christmas matter?
- Do day visitors matter for short lets?
- What do guests expect in Bath?
- What are Christmas guests worth?
- Is supply limited?
- What do the numbers mean for you?
- See what your home could earn
- Frequently asked questions
How many visitors come to the Bristol and Bath area?
Visit West covers Bristol, Bath and North East Somerset, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire. In 2024, the area had 31.6 million staying and day trips. Almost 28 million of those were day trips.
Of the staying trips, 2.7 million were made by UK visitors and just under 1 million by international visitors. Staying visitors spent just over £1 billion.
What is Bath's share of visitors?
Bath takes a large slice of the area's staying visitors. Visit West reports that Bath accounts for around 28.7% of all staying visits in the area, second only to Bristol.
For international visitors, Bath's share is even higher: 36.1% of international staying visits. Bath is a city overseas visitors make a point of staying in.
Visit West also estimates that Bath's staying visitors are almost all on holiday, while Bristol's are split between holidays, business and visiting friends and relatives.
How many short lets are there in Bath?
Visit West says Bath is in the top 20 most booked destinations for short-term lets. Serviced accommodation such as hotels, guesthouses and B&Bs is still the most popular choice overall, but short lets are a significant part of the market.
For owners, that means demand is proven. It also means competition. Guests comparing Bath listings see plenty of choice, so photos, reviews and pricing decide who gets booked.
Where do visitors spend their money?
Visit West reports that 14% of all visitor spending goes on accommodation. Overseas staying visitors spend more on shopping than UK visitors, while UK staying visitors spend slightly more on food and drink. Both point to guests who want to be close to the shops and restaurants of the centre.
How did Bath's hotels perform?
Hotel data gives a useful signal for the wider market. In 2025, Visit West reports that Bath hotels grew occupancy by 0.5% and average daily rate by just over 4%. Both were just above the UK and regional averages.
Rising room rates mean visitors are still willing to pay for Bath, which supports short-let pricing too.
How much does Christmas matter?
Events concentrate demand. The council estimates 444,000 visitors came to the 2024 Christmas Market. For a few weeks each year, Bath has far more visitors than beds. See our Bath events calendar for short-let owners.
Do day visitors matter for short lets?
Bath and North East Somerset accounts for around 15% of the area's day visitors, and Visit West notes that international day trips, often from London, are not fully counted. Day visitors fill the streets but do not need beds. The guests who matter to you are the ones who stay the night, and those are overwhelmingly on holiday.
What do guests expect in Bath?
Holiday guests choose Bath for its buildings and its setting, so they expect a home that feels special. Period features, good light, a comfortable bed and a well-equipped kitchen all show in reviews. So does honesty about stairs, parking and noise, which matter in a city of townhouses and narrow streets.
What are Christmas guests worth?
The council's survey of the 2024 Christmas Market shows how valuable staying guests are. Staying visitors in Bath spent an average of £70.25 per person per night on accommodation, and stayed an average of 2.11 nights. Across the market, the survey estimated accommodation spending of around £9.7 million from staying visitors.
Most staying guests at the market arrived by car, which is why a clear parking plan matters. See parking, the Clean Air Zone and guest arrivals in Bath.
Is supply limited?
Bath's housing is under pressure, and the council has acted on second homes. Its 2023 report counted 858 properties classed as second homes across the district before a 100% council tax premium was introduced. We explain the costs in council tax, business rates and costs for Bath short lets.
What do the numbers mean for you?
- Bath punches above its size, especially with international visitors.
- Guests are almost all on holiday, so weekends, school holidays and events drive demand.
- The market is competitive. Quality and reviews decide which homes fill.
- Rising hotel rates support confident pricing.
See what your home could earn
Area-wide figures only go so far. Our Bath short-let management team uses live market data to price your home night by night. Get a free valuation for your address and see what these numbers mean for you.
Frequently asked questions
How many visitors does Bath get?
Bath takes more than a quarter of all staying visits to the Bristol and Bath area.
Do many international visitors stay in Bath?
Yes, over a third of the area's international staying visits.
Is there competition for short lets in Bath?
Yes, more than the city's size suggests.
When is Bath busiest?
The Christmas Market weeks, the Bath Half and the summer season.
Do day visitors help short lets?
Not directly. Staying visitors are the ones who book homes.
Related guides
Sources
This is general information, not legal or tax advice. It is our own interpretation of the rules and figures as they stand on the date shown above, and they can change. Speak to a qualified solicitor or accountant before you act on anything here.