Bookings surge as tourists leave it to last minute
Bookings surge as tourists leave it to last minute
0 Comments | Express & Echo; Exeter (UK), Jul 27, 2010
TOURIST attractions and accommodation providers are enjoying a late surge in bookings.
Visit Devon said that many hotels, B&Bs, campsites, selfcatering accommodation providers and tourist attractions were upbeat about the summer with some showing an increase in bookings over last year.
Although bookings were on the increase, the trend was for holidaymakers to book holidays at the very last minute.
Rosie Bates, general manager of Visit Devon, said there were complex reasons for the trend: “Uncertainty about the economic future and the emergency Budget led many people to delay making a decision.
“The exchange rate with the euro and dollar and the problems with air travel have all helped to encourage people to holiday at home. On the positive side, the recent good weather has definitely helped attract visitors to make late bookings for holidays in Devon.”
The Dartmoor Partnership reported that 57 per cent of tourism businesses in the area had seen an increase in bookings.
Spokesman Jess Whistance said: “On the whole, business is surprisingly good here on Dartmoor.
“Many accommodation businesses are all booked up for the summer, but many are finding people are planning to stay for just one night, rather than longer periods.
“The emergency Budget did have people playing it safe and hanging on until the last minute but Dartmoor has fared well.”
Suzanne Westgate, of West Pitt Farm self-catering holiday cottages, near Tiverton, said: “We are delighted with increased level of bookings for our holiday cottages for the first half of the year, and this was well before the fine weather started. We are fully booked now until late September and nearly full for October too.”