14 April 2008

'Better value' domestic holidays show rise in bookings

UK holidaymakers are looking closer to home for their breaks this year, according to self-catering specialist Hoseasons.

With the pound reaching yet another low against the euro Ã¢â¬' raising the cost of holidays in the eurozone - Britons appear to be looking for better value breaks at home.

Hoseasons claims like-for-like holiday bookings for the UK are up 30% so far on 2007 figures.

Short breaks are most popular, representing almost half of Hoseasons recent sales Ã¢â¬' especially last minute bookings, with more than 40% of breaks being booked less six weeks before departure.

Online sales - now accounting for nearly half the companyÃ¢â¬â¢s business - have seen the largest increase.

Daily statistics show a rise of between 50% and 100% in bookings in comparison to the same dates last year Ã¢â¬' with traffic levels representing on average acquisition of a new visitor to the website every two seconds.

Hoseasons chief executive Richard Carrick said: Ã¢â¬ÅâœOur recent booking figures support how attractive the UK holiday market has become to native holidaymakers, both in terms of value for money and diversity of accommodation.

Ã¢â¬ÅâœStandards have been significantly enhanced and the variety of holidays on offer is vast.

Ã¢â¬ÅâœWhatÃ¢â¬â¢s more, the trend in short breaks reflects a growing desire amongst holidaymakers to take UK holidays as a green, hassle-free alternative to flying overseas.

Ã¢â¬ÅâœWe expect to see an even larger increase in sales over the coming months as people look to find great value, quality accommodation at home.Ã¢â¬~

by Phil Davies