Operator Hoseasons has hit back at surveys that purport to undermine domestic holidays after its latest trading figures for January suggested the ‘staycation’ is alive and well.
The latest survey of consumers from online travel agent sunshine.co.uk reported that more than 50% Of Britons don’t consider a UK break as a “real holiday”. But Geoff Cowley, Hoseasons Group managing director, said: “It’s a bit like asking people in Victoria station what they think about King’s Cross.
“They [Sunshine] do not sell UK and are asking their own customers. There’s lots of survey data that comes out and I am sure it’s accurate in terms of who and what they have polled but it’s hardly scientific.
“There is no reason why the UK can’t continue to be the number one destination for Brits. There is continuing pressure on budgets and people are trying to shop smart and get the most for what they can afford, so they will continue to look at the UK.”
Cowley said 2011 had started positively on the back of a strong 2010 that saw its lodges and parks business grow by 5% year on year and its Cottages4you business by 6%, as well as a 5.7% uplift in its smaller city breaks business, driven by increased bookings for larger serviced apartment accommodation.
In the first six weeks of 2011 Cottages4you bookings were up 11% and Hoseasons was up 6%, however Cowley said he expected there to be a lot of late business this year.
“There is bound to be more talk about the economy and interest rates going up and we are well positioned for the lates because we have more locations and more properties this year.
Clearly the UK is good value for money, it does allow people to preserve the number of holidays they take each year. If they are looking to spend a little bit less they can get something great in the UK.”
Hoseasons was bought by the Wyndham Worldwide group last year, the parent of Cottages4you, meaning the new Hoseasons Group has been able to expand its offering in 2011.
The later Easter and the additional bank holiday due to the royal wedding in April were both also expected to be a boost for domestic breaks, Cowley added.