Brits 'rushing' to book UK hotel rooms this summer
It seems like we might be seeing a second summer of staycations this year as a new report shows Brits are “rushing” to book UK hotel rooms across the warmer months.
New data from hotel technology provider Avvio has found that hotel bookings have increased by 102% in the last four weeks and revenue has seen a 53% rise as well.
It cites increased clarity around reopening dates as the reason the hospitality industry has seen a boost and that bookings across summer are rising compared to last year.
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May hotel bookings for 2021 are up by 44% year-on-year, while June bookings are up by 97%, July by 153% and August up by 213%.
“There are very early signs that the staycation season will stretch through autumn as well with both September and October racing over 100% ahead of last year,” the statement outlining the report says.
Avvio’s chief commercial officer, Michael De Jongh adds that “many” hotels are at full capacity for family rooms and that the company has seen a spike in couples booking hotels for the summer.
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“Couples who’d have previously had a weekend away in Barcelona or Prague, are now booking short stays in Cornwall or Yorkshire,” De Jongh continues.
“This is great news for the UK hotel industry. Many are at full capacity for their family rooms, but with the last few weeks seeing couples rushing to book as well, it could end up being a real bumper summer for the industry.”
He advises to avoid the “growing trend” to book rooms at multiple hotels with a view of cancelling all but one at the last minute.
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“This causes so many problems for hotels, in the same way as multiple restaurant bookings did during Eat Out To Help Out,” De Jongh explains.
“If someone does have to cancel, I’d urge them to always give the hotel as much notice as possible or better still modify the booking to an alternative date," he advises.
"If they cancel just before they were supposed to check-in, even if it’s within the incredibly flexible Covid-related terms, then it’s likely the hotel will lose that revenue altogether as that room now won’t be booked at all.”
This data comes after the government announced it will fine those leaving England to go overseas without a “good reason” in new laws set to stretch until 30 June.
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This means you can only legally go overseas for work, volunteering, education, medical needs, or to attend weddings or funerals until 30 June.
While 17 May has been pencilled in as the date foreign holidays could restart, an official date will be given in a government taskforce report scheduled for 12 April.
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