Boost for UK hotels as ‘staycation summer' increases demand

UK hoteliers experienced a boost in sales across the second quarter of 2018 with cities across the country taking an increase in bookings, according to bookings platform Expedia.

According to the travel group's data, bookings in Essex and Chester experienced a rise of more than 35% year-on-year, while hotels in East Anglia, Cambridge and North Wales experienced an average 30% boost.

London meanwhile remains the most popular destination worldwide on Expedia sites.

The firm attributed the growth to an increase in UK citizens holidaying within the country, which made up 50% of demand according to its data.

However tourism from the US increased by 50% year-on-year, while custom from fast growing markets Argentina, China and Ireland all saw triple digit increases.

Irene Roberts, director of market management, UK & Ireland for the Expedia Group, said: "Our second quarter data for 2018 shows strong growth in demand across many areas of the UK.

"We have been working with our hotel partners to continue to increase demand from both domestic guests and key international domains, especially those from fast-growing markets.

"It has been a really positive start to the summer for UK hotels, with those across a number of UK regional cities and coastal destinations enjoying impressive growth compared to the same period last year.

"Hopefully this positive trend will continue into the second half of the year."

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