Butlins booms as the credit crunch takes effect
Butlins has emerged as one of the main beneficiaries of the credit crunch with an increase in bookings at its three resorts of 15 per cent compared with the same period last year.
The operator said it expected 150,000 people to go through its doors at Skegness, Bognor Regis and Minehead over the past six weeks and puts the success down to people demanding more value-for-money during the difficult economic period.
Butlins managing director Richard Bates said people were also tired of delays and queues at airports, and the company’s policy of offering over 50 activities included in the overall price had attracted holidaymakers.
“We are experiencing an increase in bookings as people are choosing to boycott the continent for many reasons, such as the strong Euro and the fuel surcharges that are significantly affecting air and sea travel,” said Bates.
“Why would a family subject themselves to what is typically an awful experience at our airports with long queues, delays and excess luggage charges, when they can simply fill up the car with everything they need for a family break and arrive feeling relaxed and ready for a fun holiday.
“Holidaying in the UK can offer an irresistible combination of convenience, value for money and flexibility.â€
A peak season week at Butlins for a family of four costs from around £600, but off-peak three night breaks are available from £94 for a family of four.
Last week, Pontins said its bookings were up 10 per cent and earlier this year, the Camping and Caravanning Club said it had enjoyed a similar increase in sales.
Jeremy Skidmore
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
CCS Insight: eSIMs ready to take the travel world by storm
Germany new European Entry/Exit System limited to a single airport on October 12, 2025
Airlines suspend Madagascar services following unrest and army revolt
Qatar Airways offers flexible payment options for European travellers
Air Mauritius reduces frequencies to Europe and Asia for the holiday season