The much-anticipated boom in domestic and holiday rental accommodation is showing signs of happening according to figures from UK-based booking platform eviivo.
The firm, which specialises in technology for small property owners, B&Bs and holiday rentals, has reported nearly a three-fold increase in bookings between April and May,
Eviivo says bookings volumes were up 276% this month over last month as British holidaymakers look to travel close to home in light of the coronavirus pandemic.
Rental properties, which tend to be self-catered and offer the possibility of customers adhering to social distancing recommendations, saw the largest spike.
In just over a month, this category of property saw a huge 716% rise in bookings, over three times the amount of hotel bookings, which also saw a rise of 216%.
The technology firm said 59% of bookings were for holidays before the end of August, suggesting many holidaymakers remain hopeful of grabbing time away this summer.
Despite the encouraging increase in monthly bookings overall demand remains only 28% of the total bookings in the same period in 2019, said eviivo.
Paul Saxby, marketing director at London-based firm, said: “With the uncertain times we are in, it’s really encouraging to see positive increases in bookings.
“There may be light at the end of the tunnel for British holidaymakers, many of whom I’m sure are longing for a holiday like never before.
“It’s interesting to see the spike in bookings for vacation rental properties, most likely because they allow guests to follow social distancing guidance.
“With the cleanliness standards in place supported by contactless check-ins and the ability to space bookings out automatically; the property owners that are most able to adapt to these measure are more likely to draw guests in to staying at their selected properties.”
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