Travel companies have reported a surge in last-minute bookings thanks to a combination of gloomy weather in the UK and the end of the Euros and election campaign.
Homeworking agency Not Just Travel, resort operator Club Med and MSC Cruises have seen a spike in sales in the run-up to the main school holiday period.
Steve Witt, co-founder of Not Just Travel, said sales this week have been up 25% on an average day – and are comparable to a January booking day in the peaks season.
“A convergence of factors has created an ideal environment for a surge in last-minute bookings,” he said.
“With the conclusion of the Euros, the general election result bolstering economic stability and consumer confidence, consistently disappointing weather, and our travel consultants actively engaging their client networks, everything is perfectly aligned.
“People who were previously undecided have now committed. Cruise sales are up over 60% on last year.”
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Earlier this week, NJT consultant Alex Harding made a £41k booking for four customers to Singapore and Thailand on business class flights.
He said: “Now that the Euros and general election are over, clients are concentrating on their favourite purchase of the year: holidays.
“Clients are telling us that they are fed-up with what has been a washout of a summer and can’t wait to get away for some guaranteed sunshine. Enquiries are now converting into bookings as the customer mindset has shifted.”
Club Med said bookings over the last four weeks are up 16%. Bookings for June and July had been up 22% while sales for the summer holidays were up 15%.
Nicolas Bresch, UK, Ireland & Nordics managing director at Club Med, said: “With the Great British weather so far falling short of our summer expectations, we have seen an influx in Brits booking last-minute summer breaks.
“While we hope that the weather improves for everyone at home in the weeks ahead, we’re happy to be a place of solace for holidaymakers as they look to enjoy a much-needed dose of Vitamin D abroad.”
Meanwhile, MSC Cruises has seen a 30% year on year increase in last-minute bookings for August and September as the soggy summer weather continues.
Antonio Paradiso, vice-president of international sales and managing director of UK and Ireland, said: “Our sailings from Southampton are always in demand, but this year’s dismal UK weather has driven even more Brits to seek an immediate escape.
“Those looking for a quick getaway should book soon as the sailings are selling fast.”
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