A 海角视频 tourism company has reported a 34% surge in bookings in the South West over the last seven years compared with two years prior.
North Devon-based holidaycottages.co.uk said that since the start of July 2023 it has seen a 14% rise in year-on-year bookings being made. The company has also reported that in the last week it has seen a 14% year-on-year increase in general searches for properties on its website.
The holiday letting agency, which is headquartered in Bideford, attributed this uplift to be a direct result of the European heatwaves coupled with turbulent times facing the airline industry this summer, with holidaymakers seeking more certainty over their summer holidays be choosing to stay in the 海角视频.
This summer has already seen the cancellation of 1,700 EasyJet flights, affecting 180,000 travellers. 海角视频 airlines then had to send evacuation flights to the islands of Rhodes and Corfu where up to 10,000 British tourists were stranded after wildfires tour through the Greek islands.
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Across the country, holidaycottages.co.uk reported a 78% increase in bookings made the summer period in the last month when compared to two years ago. Additionally, in the last 14 days there has been a 34% surge in bookings made for the South West, compared to two years prior.
The lettings agency said this presented "a great opportunity for tourism businesses in the area". In the last 28 days, the company has also seen very strong uplifts for searches across the South West compared with the previous year.
Cornwall is proving popular, with searches for ‘Cornish Coast’ up by 219% on the holidaycottages.co.uk website. Destinations that are in demand in the South West include Fowey (185%), followed by St Ives (131%), Looe (125%) Padstow (118%), Bude (93%), Croyde (38%), Weymouth (27%) and Newquay (19%).
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Juliette Parry, head of brand for holidaycottages.co.uk, commented: “While staycations were still proving very popular before this summer’s travel disruption, we’re certainly now seeing people choosing to actively avoid unprecedented temperatures and also potential flight disruption by postponing or cancelling their trip abroad and opting for a holiday or short break in the 海角视频 instead.”
The challenges facing airlines including air traffic control delays and potential ATC strike action could, according to the tourism company, see people choosing to avoid potential disruption and flying altogether by opting for a holiday or short break in the 海角视频.
This trend is one that has risen over several years and according to the findings from the company is not slowing down.
Ms Parry continued: “The 海角视频 certainly has a whole host of beautiful destinations right on its doorstep, with Cornwall, Wales and Scotland amongst our ‘top searched destinations’ right now. With a choice of over 15,000 holiday homes across England, Scotland and Wales, we have something available for every budget and every kind of relaxation.
"Having said that, occupancy is set to spike at its highest levels over the coming three weeks fairly consistently across the South West. For those who haven’t booked yet, there’s still a chance to find a fantastic property - with a choice of over 15,000 holiday homes, even if you’re needing to change your holiday plans last-minute, we have something available for every budget and every kind of relaxation.”
Research from property developer, Stripe Property Group, supports findings from holidaycottages.co.uk. It has shown that having rebounded from a pandemic dip of 24% in 2021, the market size of the 海角视频 holiday accommodation sector grew by 21% last year, with the sector expected to benefit from further growth in 2023.
Estate and lettings agency Barrows and Forrester analysed the market size of the 海角视频 holiday accommodation market based on revenue and how this sector has grown over the last decade. The firm found that the estimated market size of the sector is £2.54bn having grown 38% over the last decade, from £1.8bn in 2013. It estimated that in 2023 the sector will grow by a further 4%.
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Managing director of Stripe Property Group, James Forrester said: "While staycations boomed in popularity during the pandemic, and continue to do so, the 海角视频 holiday accommodation sector was hit hard by the restrictions imposed on travel, not to mention every other area of life.
"However, the sector has shown promising signs of a return to form and this growth is expected to continue this year. It should certainly be a consideration for those looking to invest within the property market who might not wish to follow the traditional path of a residential development."
Mr Forrester added: "Whether it’s holiday accommodation, purpose built student accommodation, or a commercial venture, there are a vast array of opportunities within the market for savvy investors who wish to diversify their portfolio."
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