04 July 2008

UK holidays to be 'sold out' this summer

UK holiday accommodation in July and August will sell out completely over the next few weeks, a leading domestic operator forecasts.

Self-catering company Hoseasons says areas such as Dorset, Somerset, the Isle of Wight and parts of Wales are selling out fast in addition to summer favourites Devon and Cornwall.

The rise in UK holiday bookings is put down to the strength of the euro, wider economic uncertainties and a reluctance to fly after increased fares and problems at airports with delays and baggage handling.

Last summer was also a wash-out is many parts of the UK due to flooding.

Hoseasons chief executive Richard Carrick said: ââ¬ÅâœWe have found that more customers than ever before want to jump in a car with the family and avoid the hassle and increased costs of an overseas break. Our message is that if you still want to just pack up and go, book now to avoid disappointment.

ââ¬ÅâœThis isn't solely an economic issue however, a growing number of holidaymakers are also rediscovering the joys of a UK break.

ââ¬ÅâœThere is a real ââ¬Ëœfeel good factorââ¬â¢ amongst holidaymakers with the success of truly British events like Wimbledon and Glastonbury, combined with the great weather, all helping to demonstrate what the UK has to offer.ââ¬~

VisitBritain chief executive Tom Wright said: "The findings from Hoseasons that the UK is set to have a great year as many operators see strong late demand for British holidays is great news for the British tourism industry.

ââ¬ÅâœIn the current economic climate, we are finding that Brits are taking another look at holidaying at home and are surprised by the range of experiences on offer.

ââ¬ÅâœThere are still some fantastic breaks out there, but we would suggest that if people are considering a domestic break they don't leave it until the last minute.ââ¬~

by Phil Davies

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• Good news for the environment
  
  

  The surge in demand for domestic UK tourism is great news for our lower carbon economy, and for the economy overall. We need to support tourism businesses in the UK particularly during more difficult times. However, it would be even better to see Hoseasons encouraging visitors to take the train with their families.

  By Laura Burgess, Tuesday, July 8, 2008
• Domestic Demand Rockets
  
  

  I have a UK hotel client that saw an 87% rise in web traffic in June. The equivalent first 3 days of July are 98% up on last year. The traffic to 11 am this morning the traffic looks even better. Fog in channel, Europe cut off.

  By David Burdon, Friday, July 4, 2008