Concerns about the economic downturn are driving more customers to opt for self–catering and all–inclusive holidays, accommodation–only providers have said.
Bookings for self–catering properties through youtravel.com have seen a 105% increase during March and April, compared with September and October last year. All–inclusive hotel bookings have risen by 70% over the same period.
Youtravel.com sales and marketing director Paul Riches said: “As financial fears continue, people either want to have the most inclusive holiday possible, or to strip everything out completely.
“Opting for self-catering means that people are able to choose what and when they want to eat, so there is little or no waste of food and drink. With an all–inclusive holiday, people have already committed to a set price and can use this as a budgeting tool for the rest of the holiday.”
Hotels4u.com sales and marketing director John Harding has seen the same trend.
“People are more aware of their spending and want to control their budget more carefully. They are looking to increase value with all–inclusive holidays and self–catering, and are looking at a wider range of destinations, such as Tunisia and Morocco.
“We are also seeing more special offers coming in from hotels looking to offer added value,“ Harding added.
Meanwhile, bluebookonline.co.uk sales development executive David Smith said long–haul breaks were benefiting from fears about the euro.
Smith said: “I have noticed more sales forthe US, particularly Las Vegas and New York. Customers are cutting out the city breaks and spending more on their main sunshine break.
“People are really looking after the pennies now.”