HotelsCombined reports post referendum booking surge

HotelsCombined is the latest company to report a surge in post-Brexit bookings for travel to the UK. The hotel price comparison site claims reservation have risen by almost a third less than two months after the UK referendum vote to leave the European Union. The highest demand has come from Italy, Spain, Portugal and the … Continue reading HotelsCombined reports post referendum booking surge

HotelsCombined is the latest company to report a surge in post-Brexit bookings for travel to the UK.

The hotel price comparison site claims reservation have risen by almost a third less than two months after the UK referendum vote to leave the European Union.

The highest demand has come from Italy, Spain, Portugal and the UAE.

UK and Ireland country manager, Dmitrijus Konovalovas, cited the weakening value of the pound as encouraging more short breaks to the UK, with a 50% increase in searches and a 30% increase in bookings to the UK over the summer period.

He said: “The weaker pound has proved appealing to European visitors seeking an affordable short break.

Summer in the UK has proved the most appealing to Italians with bookings increasing year-on-year by 164%, the Spanish, up by 140%, and the Portuguese (92%).

“We’ve seen a significant increase in long haul visitors from South America and the Middle East – perhaps lured by the favourable exchange rate – to finally take that ‘trip of a lifetime’.

“Leading the long-haul charge are visitors from UAE with increased bookings of 95% compared to the same time last year.”

Konovalovas added: “Whether the UK can maintain this momentum is not only dependent on continued delivery of an excellent and distinctive tourism experience, but how the industry reacts to the fluctuation of exchange rates.

“The key to ensuring sustainable growth will be for the UK travel industry to continue to demonstrate affordability and good value for those considering a visit from abroad.”