Hoseasons has introduced a booking incentive across its range and is urging agents to promote local holidays to tempt customers who are cautious about committing to an overseas trip this summer.
The operator is offering £5 Love2shop vouchers for all bookings above £350 made in June for travel between June 18 and the end of August.
It is also increasing its point-of-sale and marketing support for agents looking to target customers who want to go on holiday close to home.
“We have noticed a trend where people want to book holidays, particularly short breaks, within an hour or 90 minutes of their home,” said Hoseasons managing director Geoff Cowley.
“There is a real opportunity for agents to tap into that trend and highlight the cost savings. We are working closely with retailers to identify places where their customers can stay and giving them promotional materials.”
Cowley said sales of UK short breaks were up 10% year on year, and villas in France were also proving popular for this summer.
In addition to promoting local holiday options, Hoseasons is looking to develop its Go Active range of parks offering sports coaching.
Five parks have been added to the five original flagship locations for 2011, and “at least another five” are being lined up for 2012.
Operating director Pali Badwal said sales of city-centre apartments were also increasing, as agents recognised the value of two-bedroom apartments that were often available for the same price as nearby hotel rooms.
Hoseasons has produced a mini brochure showcasing some of the 1,200 apartments on offer.