Pitchup.com reports 85% year-on-year bookings growth

Outdoor accommodation specialist Pitchup.com is claiming record turn of year bookings growth with trading value up by 85% year-on-year. Camping pods, which bridge the gap between camping and glamping, have enjoyed the biggest growth in bookings, with an increase of … Continue reading →

Outdoor accommodation specialist Pitchup.com is claiming record turn of year bookings growth with trading value up by 85% year-on-year.

Camping pods, which bridge the gap between camping and glamping, have enjoyed the biggest growth in bookings, with an increase of 185%.

The website, which features 2,800 camping, caravanning and glamping sites in 36 countries, has seen a “significant increase” of early inbound bookings from the rest of Europe to the UK, by 390%.

Holidaymakers from France and Spain are the largest source of inbound bookings, with the average traveller booking four months in advance.

UK domestic bookings are also up across the board with Dorset achieving the biggest growth of 219% year-on-year.

Demand for Devon continues to grow, with bookings up 81%, while Scotland has seen growth of 83%.

Bookings by UK holidaymakers for continental Europe show that Spain is leading the way, with a 666% increase year-on-year.

Traditional camping and caravanning options continue to perform well with a 157% overall rise in static caravan bookings, a 132% uplift in hardstanding pitch bookings and a 115% increase in fully-serviced pitch bookings.

Company founder Dan Yates said: “We’ve enjoyed strong advanced sales throughout the festive period and in to the new year as we continue to see post-Brexit demand for affordable accommodation.

“Camping and caravanning is particularly popular in Europe and as such, we’re seeing a number of holidaymakers from France and Spain booking ahead for this summer, as the weak pound makes the UK a more affordable option.”

He added: “Domestic bookings continue to perform well, indicating that the staycation trend will continue. However, Spain is also proving popular as holidaymakers shop around for more economical overseas holidays in Brits’ favourite package holiday destination.

“With more people than ever now researching and booking their holidays via smartphones, our mobile site which is picture-led and available in 14 languages, has certainly been a crucial early sales driver, delivering a 163% rise in bookings.”