SPECIAL EDITION


Juliet Dennis and Samantha Mayling


Domestic bookings ‘very strong’ 22%


– up 203% for October and 310% for 2022, both on 2019. Simon Altham, group chief


Domestic operators have reported a return to pre-pandemic sales levels for UK holidays amid a lack of clarity on overseas travel and strong agent support. In some cases, domestic sales


have surpassed 2019, with many operators adding capacity as holidays sell out. June, July and August are the top departure months, with seaside resorts most in demand. Hoseasons predicted “a year like


no other”, with 2021 bookings up 22% on the same point in 2019, itself a record year, and bookings for July and August up 61% on two years ago. It said trade bookings for some periods had rocketed by even more


commercial officer at Hoseasons parent Awaze, said: “These figures show two things: first, the lack of clarity over foreign travel is seeing people opt for the UK; and, second, that agents have been doing a fantastic job of selling our breaks.” Leger Shearings Group reported


“very strong” UK bookings for this summer and beyond, and a “significant spike” following February’s roadmap announcement, including two record days. Chief executive Liam Race said:


“Momentum hasn’t waned, and sales over the last six weeks have been the equivalent of the pre-pandemic traditional booking peak months


UK specialist Great Little Breaks sees trade sales surge


Katie McGonagle


Great Little Breaks has begun working with 100 new agents over the past month, with trade sales now accounting for nearly half of all business. Chris Cundall, director of trade


relations at the UK short-break specialist, told a Travel Weekly webcast that domestic holidays were a “huge opportunity” for agents. He said: “I used to work at


Super Break and when they left the market, there wasn’t anyone who came in to fill that space.”


6 22 APRIL 2021 Cundall said Great Little Breaks


had targeted 20% of sales through the trade but the proportion was now running at about 45%. “We’ve had 100 agents who


had never booked with Great Little Breaks before book in the last month,” he added. Cundall said previous research


had found customers take up to three UK short breaks for each overseas holiday they book. He reassured agents many hotels


still had capacity, despite reports of low availability in popular spots such as Cornwall and the Lake District.


Sarah Barton, head of trade at


Visit Jersey, said the tourist board had seen strong engagement from agents in training, online resources and new product launches, including new tours from Cosmos, Shearings and Leger Holidays. Claire Brighton, account director


for the Association of Touring & Adventure Suppliers, said the wave of new touring product had been “well-received” by agents. “The most important thing


agents should do is make it clear to travelweekly.co.uk


their customers that they sell UK holidays,” she said. “Get it on your social media or in


shop windows. “Ensure customers know you can


be their go-to for UK breaks.” i News You Can Use, page 13 i Destinations, page 22


Watch this and other T


Hoseasons’ increase in 2021 bookings on 2019


of January and early February.” Great Little Breaks said its


revenue was up 25% week on week when agencies reopened. Trade relations director Chris Cundall said: “It is totally justifying our decision to work with retail partners.” Operators also reported a later


booking trend, with clients keen to get away once restrictions lift on May 17. National Holidays and Just Go!


Holidays parent The JG Travel Group said 65% of bookings last week were for up to August. Sales and yield


Association reported “significant growth” in UK self-catering rentals. Chair Merilee Karr, chief executive of luxury holiday rentals platform UnderTheDoormat, reported a “marked increase” in the number of “innovative” agents booking via her


company’s website. i Leger Shearings interview, page 8


director Matthew Herbert said: “It’s important for agents to bear this in mind when creating sales messages.” Capacity has been added as tours


have sold out, including by Travel Corporation brands Insight Vacations and Contiki. Sales and marketing director Donna Jeavons said: “Given domestic accommodation is scarce this summer, lots of people are opting for a touring holiday in the UK.” The Short Term Accommodation


Travel Chris Cundall


Claire Brighton


Weekly’s Katie


McGonagle


Sarah Barton


ravel Weekly webcasts at: go.travelweekly.co.uk/webcasts


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