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Bookings for UK staycations have reportedly surged to a record number of daily bookings ahead of the hospitality sector reopening next week.
According to Sky News, luxury lodge specialist Hoseasons reported one booking every 11 seconds within hours of the prime minister’s announcement that the hospitality industry could reopen on the 4 July.
The group, which is operated by owner Awaze UK, saw its year-on-year sales soar by 270% that same day, while its sister brand, Cottages.com, reported a sales boost of 455%.
Speaking to Sky News, Simon Altham, the chief commercial officer of Awaze UK, said: “We were expecting greater levels of interest, but the surge in demand was still surprising and we certainly hadn’t expected a record day.
“Over the last few weeks we’ve seen volumes of inquiries and bookings increase on a daily basis, as people begin to become more confident about booking a UK holiday. Government confirmation seems to have just given people an extra level of certainty.”
He added that evidence suggests that holidays will continue to “remain a priority” for most people, and that July and August are likely to be “very busy as a result”.
He now expects greater than usual levels of demand for September and October, as the holiday season extends.
Similarly, speaking to the Daily Mail, head of hotels at Best Western GB Andrew Denton revealed that the company experienced a 575% increase in business on the day of the announcement.
He said: “I would describe yesterday as crazy and exciting at the same time.The number of people on the site was above the same date last year when the world was open and we hadn’t heard of Covid.”
