More than a third of Sandals and Beaches Reosrts business from the UK for 2020 departures is now just late bookings driven by government travel corridors.
Unique Caribbean Holidays Ltd (UCHL), UK tour operator for the Caribbean all-inclusive resorts, reported that 35% of bookings made in the eight weeks from August 26 were for departures within three months – up from 16% in the same period in 2019.
A fifth (19%) of bookings made during the period this year were for trips departing within just 31 days.
The operator also reported a 16% year-on-year increase in duration of 2020 trips, a sign that holidaymakers are determined to make the most of their time overseas when they can travel.
UCHL managing director Karl Thompson said: “It comes as no surprise to us that the volume of late business that we’re picking up has increased dramatically this autumn.
“With travel corridors in place to some of our key destinations including St Lucia, Antigua, Grenada and Barbados, customers are booking last minute holidays to get away before any further travel restrictions or lockdowns might be imposed.
“Getting a PCR test before travelling is fast becoming the norm and many people see this as a small price to pay to be able to go on holiday with their loved one and enjoy some happy, quality time together in the sunshine.”
Sandals has late winter availability starting at £1,689 per person with return economy flights.