Tourico Holidays, wholesale travel brokerage company, today shared data reporting a 29% increase in hotel bookings to the United Kingdom in 2017, compared to the same time last year.
The growth in inbound bookings can, in part, be attributed to the United Kingdom’s most consistent source markets. Based on Tourico’s latest hotel booking report, the United States increased its year-over-year bookings to the UK by 11%, while Canada increased its bookings by 35%.
South America increased its bookings by 38% in 2017 and the Middle East market increased by 22%. Asia-Pacific travelers continue to seek out UK travel products as well, increasing bookings by 31% overall – with China up 69% and Australia up 28%.
As the pound remains relatively weak, Europeans in particular are visiting the UK, with an increase of 52% compared to 2016 Tourico bookings. Specifically, Scandinavia has increased its hotel demand by 17%, while Spain jumped by 49%.
Tourico’s data also revealed that domestic hotel bookings or “staycations” within the UK have risen by 21%year-over-year.
Mark Redmond, vice president of the European region for Tourico Holidays, said: “There are undoubtedly some challenges – both present and future – with the viability of the UK hotel market, including a lingering fear of terrorism, higher food costs, and growing competition in neighboring countries – but despite all of that, the region continues to prosper.
“All of the major source markets continue to view the UK as a top tourist destination and now, more than ever, is the perfect time to diversify the demand and begin encouraging other markets to book UK travel product.”
