Hoseasons owner ‘to focus on driving direct bookings’

The owner of Hoseasons has admitted to driving more direct bookings to give customers “a better experience”.

Awaze, the parent of domestic self-catering specialist Hoseasons, Cottages.com and Novasol, reported that revenues had risen by 2% year on year to €93 million over the three months to June 30.

A “focus on driving direct booking on its brands’ platforms with new apps, as opposed to through third-party affiliates” helped drive the increase.

Total occupancy grew by 3%, with prices “stable” in the period.

Hoseasons offers 31,000 properties in the UK, while Cottages.com represents 21,000 holiday homes and Novasol 53,000 on the continent.   

Awaze chief executive Matthew Price, reflecting on a record Easter, said: “We continue to invest in our corporate technology platforms that not only enables more direct bookings, but also gives customers a better experience to ensure their holidays run as smoothly as possible. 

“Our investment in service is also bearing fruit with guest and homeowner satisfaction up strongly.”

The quarterly performance outstripped all previous Easter arrivals even during the period affected by the pandemic, with volumes 6% higher on a like-for-like basis than its previous best performance in 2022 when Covid continued to restrict foreign travel.

“This positive momentum has continued post 30 June, putting Awaze on track for its best-ever summer of arrivals – driven by 51% of revenue coming from repeat bookings as more customers look for a different experience and better value for money than that offered by regular hotels,” a statement said.

Price added: “Our teams pulled out all the stops to deliver a record Easter this year, putting us on track for a record and blockbuster summer. 

“Whether with Hoseasons or Cottages.com in the UK, or Novasol on the Continent, customers are telling us they want to have a more tailored experience, often with more space and flexibility, such as self-catering or pets, than provided by large hotel chains. 

“With about 105,000 accommodation choices in more than 20 countries, we are committed to giving customers an experience they won’t forget.”