The great staycation rush: UK hotel group sees bookings surge by 67 per cent amid international travel disruption

Warner Leisure Hotels, part of Bourne Leisure, has seen holiday makers flock to snap up last minute breaks across its 15 UK resorts.

In the last four weeks, the leading adult-only hotel group has seen June to August bookings surge by almost 70 per cent versus the previous four weeks.

And the great staycation rush is far from just an increase in seasonal demand. The company also noted that summer bookings have more than doubled against the same period last year, despite the popularity of UK holidays as the nation emerged from lockdown.  

The UK holiday provider also saw a 40 per cent uplift in website traffic as holiday makers rushed to get their summer staycations booked in the wake of international travel mayhem.   

Simon Thompson, managing director at Warner Leisure Hotels, said: “For the many affected by the current chaos at airports it will no doubt tarnish what should be a relaxing holiday. We know guests choose us so they can enjoy a holiday without the hassle of international travel and the current environment is accelerating a drive in bookings.”

“This upheaval has led to many seeking a last-minute UK break rather than heading abroad to avoid losing out on precious time and money, and as result we’re seeing a demand for domestic tourism even greater than in 2021.

“While 2021 was a booming year for UK travel due to the logistical implications of travelling abroad, the current mayhem at airports wasn’t anticipated by travellers and has resulted in a sudden wave of people looking to book with us this summer.”

Hayling Island in particular is set to be a hot spot for staycationers making the most of the British summertime – with Warner Leisure Hotels seeing a 268 percent increase in bookings over the last four weeks, when compared with last year at its Sinah Warren hotel in Hampshire this July.

Simon added: “Unfortunately many last-minute UK holidaymakers have been hit with increased prices as a result of the sudden demand. We want our guests to rest assured that although summer dates are being snapped up quickly, our breaks will remain good value for money and include more than £150 of daily value*.  

“We have some amazing entertainment and activities on offer this summer, so while we can’t guarantee the weather, we can promise you certainty, and that you’ll leave feeling relaxed and re-energised.”

Those looking to visit one of Warner Leisure Hotel’s country or coastal retreats this holiday season are urged to book soon, as the surge in bookings means hotels are left with limited remaining dates for June, with July and August expecting to follow the same trends.

To find out more about Warner Leisure Hotels range of adult-only hotels or to book a 2022 getaway, visit warnerleisurehotels.co.uk/discover.