Key points:
  • Summer hotel and holiday park bookings in the UK have increased 35% compared to last year.
  • Reports of long airport queues and cancelled flights due to EU border checks are deterring some Britons from overseas trips.
  • Holiday stays near water, such as lakes and riverside properties, have seen a significant rise in demand.
  • Supermarkets like Waitrose predict their sales will surge at branches located in popular holiday destinations.

Surging Domestic Holiday Bookings

Summer bookings for hotels and holiday parks in the UK have experienced a notable increase, with hotelier Raoul Fraser reporting a 35% jump compared to last year. This trend is driven by travel disruptions and concerns over flight cancellations, particularly due to long delays at EU borders.

Popularity of Staycations

UK domestic holiday bookings surge amid travel concerns
UK domestic holiday bookings surge amid travel concerns

Holiday stays near water sources have gained significant popularity, with bookings for lake and riverside properties up 12% on last year. Seaside towns such as Whitby and Newquay are also seeing an uptick in visitors seeking cooler weather during the warm summer months.

Impact on Local Economies

Local businesses, especially supermarkets, anticipate a boost from the surge in domestic holidaymakers. Waitrose expects sales to rise by up to 23% at branches near popular holiday destinations like Menai Bridge and Bridport. This trend suggests that Britons are favoring shorter trips closer to home.

Industry Response

Abta, the UK travel industry body, reports that while many consumers still prefer overseas holidays, 38% have delayed their bookings due to travel disruptions and border issues. Travel analyst Sinead O’Connor notes a 5% rise in staycation plans this summer.

Source: The Guardian


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