Holidaymakers are expected to spend an astonishing £62 billion on staycations this year as hotels, cottages, campsites and caravans are booked up months in advance
- New study shows that four out of five Britons are planning a staycation in 2021
- Economists estimate families have saved an extra £170 billion in lockdown
- Some hotel providers have been overwhelmed with the demand for staycations
Holidaymakers are expected to spend an astonishing £62 billion on staycations this year, according to travel industry experts.
Hotels, cottages, campsites and caravans are booked up months in advance amid uncertainty over foreign travel being allowed.
Robin Hutson, chairman of the Pig Hotels and Limewood Group chains, said: ‘We’ve been overwhelmed with demand for staycations since the beginning of the year. We are currently 92 per cent booked till the end of September.’
Hotels, cottages, campsites and caravans are booked up months in advance amid uncertainty over foreign travel being allowed. Cottages are seen above in Lower Slaughter, the Cotswolds
Bosses at Center Parcs report ‘very strong demand’ for both summer and autumn breaks, with a spokesman adding: ‘We are seeing bookings further out as well.’
Four out of five Britons are planning a 2021 staycation, according to holidaycottages.co.uk.
Meanwhile, research by Visit England shows that 20 per cent of people are confident in the ability to take a domestic break in May, rising to 38 per cent in June, 52 per cent from July to September and 62 per cent from October onwards.
Bosses at Center Parcs report ‘very strong demand’ for both summer and autumn breaks, with a spokesman adding: ‘We are seeing bookings further out as well’. The outdoor rapids at Center Parcs Longleat is seen above
With Bank of England economists estimating families have stashed away an extra £170 billion due to Covid-19 restrictions, industry insiders are hoping they will spend a little more than usual.
Daniel Thompson, general manager of Mullin Cove in Cornwall, said he has noticed customers adding extras on to their stay, explaining: ‘People do seem to be splashing out a bit more – our higher standard rooms were booked out before our standard rooms.’
He added: ‘We are turning people away. We are at 100 per cent occupancy until mid-September.’
Peter Ducker, chief executive of the Institute of Hospitality, said: ‘If four out of five people are going to enjoy a staycation this year, that will be a godsend because it will inject desperately needed revenue. Staycations may be the only choice people have right now for a holiday.’
Visit England estimate £62 billion will be spent nationwide and director Patricia Yates said: ‘Our latest research shows that the South West of England leads for staycations for spring this year.’