Move over, 2024.
It’s always worthwhile to look back over the year and think about the highlights and the low moments. Then, we can look forward to an even better year.
I find it fascinating to look back at all the people who visited. We really enjoy being an international guesthouse, and seeing people from all over the world interact with each other, and with the city. In 2024, only approximately 35% of our guests were traveling within Canada, making the vast majority of our guests international.
Of the 65% of guests who were international, the country most represented was our neighbour to the south, the United States of America, who made up approximately 7% of our guests. After that, the next five countries who sent the most guests our way were the United Kingdom, Germany, Ghana, Nigeria and India.
All in all, we welcomed guests from ninety-one countries! Most of these were new faces, but we also welcomed back some old friends and regulars. Many were traveling for school and work; others were coming simply for leisure.
The Lows
Usually, everyone who stays here treats the building and other guests with the utmost respect. Unfortunately, this year, we had one person who got a bit rough with the front door and broke one of the glass panes. He must have really knocked hard on the door – it’s much easier just to use the doorbell!
Otherwise, the year was quiet – but a bit too quiet. Compared to previous years, this year was very slow for business. This was due to a number of factors, most of them global and economic, and well outside our power to control. We are looking forward to being busier in 2025.
The Highs
The absolute high point of 2024 for us and most people in our area was a once-in-a-lifetime astronomical event – the Total Solar Eclipse that occurred on April 8th. The day looked cloudy at first, but it cleared up here in Hamilton just at the right time. Luckily, we were able to get amazing views of the Ring of Fire right from our garden. We were so excited to share this amazing experience with our neighbours, and with guests from across Canada, as well as from the US, Slovenia, Germany, the UK, the UAE, Jamaica and Japan.
Of course, we made the most of our quiet year and made some upgrades to the property. Passers-by and guests waiting for rides need a place to rest, so we added a bench out front. We made some eco-friendly upgrades to our bathrooms to improve water conservation. Beds and bedding always need upgrading, so we changed out some pillows and mattresses. The Canadian Wildlife Federation certified our front garden as Wildlife-friendly habitat. We even got a new television for the common room!
What’s next, 2025?
We’re hoping that 2025 will be a busier year, for starters! Besides that, we are looking forward to making some more upgrades to beds and putting some new art on the walls. There should be some nice changes to the backyard coming this spring.
This will the our fifteenth year of welcoming the world to Hamilton! On top of that, the Pring house itself will be turning 170 this year. Maybe a birthday celebration is in order for this milestone? But most importantly, we want to continue to offer friendly, safe, inclusive, comfortable and affordable accommodations to everyone who wants to come to Hamilton. This year, and many more years to come.
