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Awaze: ‘We got one new booking every second’
Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s announcement that UK holidays could resume from 12 April has led to record bookings, according to self-catering giant Awaze.
It said immediately after the PM’s statement to the Commons yesterday at 3.30pm the company, which owns Cottages.com, Hoseasons and Landall GreenParks UK recorded one booking every second and sold more than 10,000 UK breaks.
"We welcome yesterday’s roadmap from the Government, which gives holidaymakers and property owners in England clarity over taking and enjoying a staycation this year," said Group Chief Commercial Officer Simon Altham.
"Last year following similar announcements we saw bookings peak at one every 11 seconds, but this time demand has exceeded our expectations and comfortably broken that record. It is clear that Brits are desperate to get away, and now have the clarity and confidence to book.
"This will be welcome news for many businesses that rely on tourism across England and will allow them to plan their reopening carefully and considerately.
"We do recognise that some people will be disappointed they can’t get away sooner, but since the start of the pandemic the health and safety of our customers, property owners and local communities has been a top priority and we will continue to work carefully to follow all the Government guidelines in the coming weeks and months."
Linsey McNeill
Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk
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