The hung parliament following the general election has done little to dampen people’s enthusiasm for a summer break, a leading domestic operator claims.
Demand for UK holidays remains strong despite political uncertainty caused by fallout from the election.
Simon Altham, managing director – revenue, for Wyndham Vacation Rentals UK, claimed a buoyant week of bookings across sister self-catering brands Hoseasons and cottages.com.
“Trading was excellent in the run up to the election, and the weekend was no different,” he said.
“The country has been through a lot lately and the political situation may be uncertain, but what comes through loud and clear is that Britons are as determined as ever to find time to get away and enjoy their summer holiday.”
Bookings for self-catering specialist Hoseasons were up 20% last week compared to the same time last year, with bookings since the election up 37% and sales through third parties, including agents, up 42%.
Strong demand for luxury lodges with hot tubs drove the upward trend with bookings up 33% year-on-year over the last week and 39% since last Thursday’s poll.
Cottages.com saw bookings over the last seven days rise by more than a third (34%) and up by 47% since news of the hung parliament emerged on Friday morning.
Key regions also performed well for both businesses, with Cornwall bookings for Hoseasons up 23% and east of England bookings up 14%.
Bookings for the south west were up 14% for cottages.com while East Anglia bookings were up 35%.
More on the 2017 general election:
‘Big changes in government’ to follow UK election