Florida specialist Ocean Holidays says demand for long-haul holidays is “skyrocketing” as consumers seek better-value holidays with less risk of disruption.
Its US holiday bookings increased 25% following the lifting in June of pre-departure Covid tests, with growth of 170% for departures between May 1-October 31, compared with the same period in 2019.
George Hastings, Ocean Holidays’ managing director, said: “Airlines are rightly recognising that their salvation lies in long-haul, which is where they are investing.
“We’re seeing the likes of BA and Virgin upgrading their fleet and unlocking significantly more capacity and better value flights to popular long-haul destinations like Florida and New York.
“When faced with disruption, airlines will tend to prioritise long-haul flights, meaning they are less susceptible to cancellation – less than 2% of our transatlantic bookings were cancelled in 2022.
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“Consumers are starting to realise that great value, hassle free holidays lie beyond Europe. Our phone lines have never been busier.”
The operator said British Airways has increased its capacity to Orlando by 50% this year, while reducing fares, and United Airlines upped capacity by 40% between London and Newark.
Essex-based Ocean Holidays said it retained 85% of its bookings during the pandemic and took £40 million of new bookings in 2020, meaning the business doubled in size.
It is set for a record-breaking summer with group revenue up from £22.4 million to £60.1 million for departures between May 1-October 31, compared with the same period in 2019 – representing 170% growth.
Harry Hastings (pictured), co-chief executive at Ocean Holidays and brother to George, added: “Despite the cost-of-living crisis, we’re seeing holidaymakers continuing to prioritise their trips abroad.
“More than ever, customers are gravitating toward better value, more reliable flights.”
He said the record-breaking demand for family holidays to Florida means the company is expanding its villa portfolio in the state by more than 150% by the end of 2022.
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