A UK holiday parks operator is claiming a tripling in booking levels as cost conscious travellers look to stay closer to home in 2009.
Hoburne Holiday Parks, which runs seven sites in Dorset, Hampshire, the Cotswolds, Devon, Somerset and Cornwall, has seen the value of advance bookings increase from £200,000 by November 2007 to £600,000 so far this year.
The 200% increase in advance booking figures reflects a growing trend in families choosing a holiday in the UK over a break abroad next year, according to the company.
This follows the combined force of the credit crunch, the strength of the euro and fuel increases pushing up the price of long haul flights which convinced many families to explore breaks closer to home this year.
Company managing director James Lapage said: “A lot of people are naturally concerned about what is around the corner, but they look forward to their family holiday.
“We have frozen many of our 2008 prices to help ensure families tightening their purse strings can still enjoy precious time away together.
“The booking figures we are seeing are testament to the increase in popularity of UK breaks and show the ‘UK-tion’ is becoming the top choice for many planning next year’s holidays.â€
by Phil Davies
