Largest UK domestic operator reports “solid” year
The Hoseasons Groups sold 1.5% more holidays last year than in 2010.
Its brands include Hoseasons, Cottages4you, English Country Cottages and overseas James Villa Holidays, but the latter accounts for just 5% of its business. Last year it sold nearly 2.3m UK holidays.
Managing director Geoff Cowley hailed 2011 as "another good year in a challenging landscape".
"Over the last four years we’ve seen steady growth for the group, and have doubled in size following the Hoseasons and James Villa Holiday acquisitions," he said.
"In 2011 we’ve seen our three biggest brands, Cottages4you, James Villa Holidays and Hoseasons, all consolidate their position as market leaders in the cottages, park and lodge, and villa marketplace."
Cowley said there had been a continued shift towards short breaks and last-minute bookings, with 30% to 40% more peak season bookings coming within six weeks of departure last year.
"We took more bookings for summer during the summer," said Cowley. "January and February started strongly, there was a dip in March and April, but bookings ramped up again in the lates market when there was enormous demand."
Cowley said the shift towards late bookings combined with increased sales for short breaks and the growth in cheaper self-catering brand easycottages.com suggested customers were more focused last year on value for money.
The domestic holiday business will benefit in the long-term from the London 2012 Olympics and the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, said Cowley, but he said it was too early to know how they would impact on 2012 bookings.
By Linsey McNeill
Linsey McNeill
Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk
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