Pitchup.com reports 55% uplift in bookings amid ‘staycation’ boom

Camping and caravan accommodation specialist Pitchup.com is claiming a record summer with a 55% uplift in bookings. This includes 81,445 bookings made since the Brexit vote on June 23. Advance reservations for summer 2017 are also up by a record 180% year-on-year, with a rise in sales via mobile devices following a doubling of smartphone … Continue reading Pitchup.com reports 55% uplift in bookings amid ‘staycation’ boom

Camping and caravan accommodation specialist Pitchup.com is claiming a record summer with a 55% uplift in bookings.

This includes 81,445 bookings made since the Brexit vote on June 23.

Advance reservations for summer 2017 are also up by a record 180% year-on-year, with a rise in sales via mobile devices following a doubling of smartphone bookings this summer.

Founder and managing director, Dan Yates said: “This is interesting because it shows mobile booking facilities aren’t just for the late-availability market, but for early bookers too. The super-organised can unlock availability much earlier and plan and book much sooner.”

He described the company’s performance this summer as proving that staycations are now a permanent fixture in the mindset of the British public.

“It’s been the best year ever for domestic travel so naturally people are re-booking early to bag the best spots,” he said.

“We expected some early bookings, but we’ve been overwhelmed by the numbers who are securing their summer holidays for next year. The figures are unprecedented for this sector.

“Part of this is down to the ‘holiday hangover’. People who had a great time want something to look forward to, so book an affordable break for next year as soon as they return, while the holiday is fresh in their mind.”

England was the top destination this summer and its popularity continues to grow, with a 45% year-on-year increase in bookings. Bookings to Wales were up 57%, Scotland saw 82% growth and Ireland 56%.

France was the third most popular destination, with bookings rising by 182%. Spain and Italy also made the top seven, with bookings up 610% and 874% respectively.

The south-west of England was the most popular destination this summer, with a 32% increase in bookings, followed by the central region, up 74%, and the north-west, up 81%.