Passport delays call for another summer of staycations

With summer rapidly approaching, many of us are starting to look forward to the holiday season. However, experts are warning that delays in receiving new passports caused by ongoing strike action could cost British travellers not only a lot of money in fees, but also their summer holiday abroad, prompting a spike in staycation bookings.

More than one thousand passport workers are due to join strike action across England, Scotland, and Wales as part of a dispute over pay, pensions, redundancy terms, and job security. The action, by members of the Public and Commercial Services Union, is currently in its third week of an agreed five-week strike, and is expected to significantly impact the delivery of passports in the run-up to the summer holiday season.

The anticipated delays have prompted a spike in staycation bookings, reports Warner Hotels. In the last four weeks, the adult-only hotel group has seen March to April bookings surge by almost 13  per cent, in comparison to the same period last year.

Simon Thompson, managing director at Warner Hotels, said: “At Warner Hotels we have seen a consistent rise in the popularity of staycations over the last few years as they became a necessary and more reliable alternative for many people due to the pandemic and cost of living crisis. More recently, the reminder of the chaos we saw last summer and the current strikes by passport and airport staff has meant that Warner Hotels has seen an increase of 13per cent in bookings for this summer in comparison to last year, showing the value and ease a great British holiday provides.

“Travellers can experience amazing entertainment, visit beaches or historical landmarks, try new activities, and be wined and dined all within several hours of their own homes, removing the need for renewing their passports, waiting in long queues at the airport, and boarding often delayed flights.”

Staycation breaks start from £259 for three nights, which includes breakfast and three-course dinners, live music, spa access and activities.

Bookings for this summer are now open - for more information, visit http://www.warnerleisurehotels.co.uk.