Increase in Brits looking to holiday closer to home
With the current uncertainty regarding international travel and ongoing changes in government guidelines, there has been an increased interest in UK holidays.
YouGov data shows that over three quarters of Brits (77%) have no intention of travelling abroad this year. 43% even said they intend to take more or the same number of UK trips than they usually would.
Holiday home operator Park Leisure has reported a 47% year-on-year increase in holiday home sales this summer across its 11 stunning locations, with the trend expected to continue throughout autumn and winter.
The holiday home operator has also seen a huge boost in short stay bookings for its pet-friendly countryside and coastal holiday parks.
Littondale, based in the Yorkshire Dales, has seen the biggest increase, taking 91% more bookings this summer (June-August) than it did during the same period last year.
Lisa Williams, director of marketing and holiday sales at Park Leisure, said: “It goes without saying that this year has been completely unpredictable and there were challenges to overcome to make sure we were able to welcome holiday home owners and holiday makers to our parks safely and comfortably.
“Alongside the benefit of avoiding international travel regulations, our holiday homes are completely self-contained with everything you need for your prefect break. Staying in our holiday homes mean any unnecessary social interaction is avoided and our guests can cocoon themselves in their own little sanctuary or explore the beautiful great outdoors!
“We have, of course, redesigned our processes to keep people safe, as well as introducing hand sanitising facilities and regular signage displaying the guidelines and best practice, alongside a host of other measures to give holiday home owners and holidaymakers peace of mind.”
The company has implemented new measures to keep their customers safe, such as an adapted check-in process to minimise unnecessary contact. They have also obtained a COVID-19 secure certification from VisitBritain.
Lisa added: “With all the difficulty of the last six months, a lot of people are in need of a well-deserved break, so we’re not surprised to see so many taking advantage of our idyllic UK locations, right on their doorsteps!
“What’s been really interesting to see is that there’s no sign of things slowing down as we head into autumn. We’re open 12 months of the year and with holidays abroad so uncertain for the foreseeable future, now is a great time to be thinking long term about future holidays and exploring more of what the UK has to offer.”