Booming lates market in full swing

Thursday, 8th July 2010

A chance to be smug is always welcome and we're delighted to see our prediction of a busy lates market has come true. Enquiries in the first week of July are already up 30% on last year with holidaymakers seeking some late summer sun in large numbers.

Enquiry patterns are also showing over 72% of visitors are looking for holidays between now and September. People have left it very late to organise their annual holiday this year.

Whilst this is traditionally a busy time for holiday websites, we believe there's a few factors that have made this year particularly strong:

• General election - people delay holiday decisions when major national events are in the offing. We all prefer to book in an atmosphere of certainty.
• World cup - huge sporting events are also a dampener on holiday bookings because it provides ready entertainment. England crashing out early caused a surge of holiday interest.
• Budget & economic outlook - now that the budget is over, people have a better feel for their finances this year. Unless you work in the public sector or live on welfare, you probably feel more secure about how much cash you can safely spend this year.
• UK sunshine - glorious weather in Britain gets people in the mood for a holiday and stimulates bookings. There is a downside though: if warm weather continues into the school holidays, this effect will reverse as people find somewhere more local to enjoy the sun and entertain the kids.

We are strongly recommending owners and agents make the most of the summer bounce and run special offers if you have late availability.

Holidaymakers can currently get up to 45% off holidays in Lanzarote and 30% off Costa Blanca holidays - it's a fabulous time to bag a late break.

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