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UK hotel bookings hit highest level since before the pandemic
Hotel bookings in the UK have reached their highest level since the start of the pandemic, according to SiteMinder’s World Hotel Index.
It marks the most concrete confirmation so far of the ‘staycation’ trend the UK is currently experiencing.
On July 29, 2021, bookings reached 84.57% of 2019 levels and remaining stable at 84.18% of 2019 levels as at August 1, 2021.
The bookings are being driven by domestic tourism with 92% of hotel bookings currently coming from within the country.
The UK’s overall hotel bookings, as a comparison to pre-pandemic times, first surpassed the global average on May 9, 2021, and have since grown to sit at 19.9% percentage points above the current global average of 64.19%.
The comparative booking levels are also outperforming those in a number of major European markets, including Portugal (82.48%), Germany (71.36%), the Netherlands and Malta.
The UK’s coastal destinations have performed strongly this year, with hotel bookings in Brighton, for example, currently at 107.72% of 2019 levels and surpassed pre-pandemic volumes on June 6, 2021.
Edinburgh is performing above expectations.at 111.76% of 2019 bookings.
"The data illustrates the diversity and resilience of the UK as a travel destination, with cities of all kinds showing a sustained upwards trend throughout the year," said James Bishop, Senior Director Global Ecosystem at SiteMinder.
"We should expect current trends to continue, especially as restrictions continue to ease in light of the UK’s ongoing vaccine programme. While challenges remain, after 18 months, recovery is now in sight for the country’s accommodation providers."
TravelMole Editorial Team
Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
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