Is Britain on the Brink of a Holiday Boom?

Haven Holidays, the UK’s biggest provider of family holidays, has reported a whopping 50% increase in holiday bookings for Spring Breaks with more families than ever booking breaks in the early part of the season.

Despite the general economic downturn it seems families are not prepared to forgo their holiday - and it’s not just value for money Spring breaks that are selling well. Haven, who have 35 holiday parks all in stunning locations around the UK, say bookings for the summer holidays are up 15% compared with the same time last year.

Tim Gibson, Haven’s Sales Director, said: “Many families have been taking advantage of our Spring early booking offers which start at less than £100 for up to six people. But even taking that into account there is a strong upward trend in bookings across the whole season.

“Many new customers who enjoyed holidays with us for the first time in 2010 have booked to come back, having been pleasantly surprised by the quality of facilities and many attractions on offer. This year also promises to be our best ever as we are currently spending £40 million on improvements and major upgrades during the closed winter period.”

One holiday park manager who welcomed many new customers to his park last year said: “Many of our first time customers have rebooked for this year. Having a date in the diary for your summer holiday, even though it may be months away, is also a great way to cheer yourself up.”

Holiday home enquires up 75%

And the trend has also been reflected in interest in purchasing a UK holiday home. Haven are one of the biggest providers of affordable holiday homes in the country with around 24,000 Owners enjoying regular and extended breaks at their parks.

Already in 2011 they have seen a 75% increase in enquiries from people interested in having a “bolthole by the sea” compared to the same period last year.

They say, “We’re experiencing unprecedented interest in purchasing caravan holiday homes. Whilst it’s too early yet to predict how this will impact on sales we’re confident that this year more people than ever will want an affordable escape from their day to day lives.’

Other factors which are believed to have boosted the interest in UK breaks are the high price of fuel and fears of possible flight disruption for holidays abroad. Interest in holiday homes, which start at just £15,000, has also been boosted by a Haven prize draw offering those who enter the chance to win a £40,000 brand new luxury caravan.

Holidaymakers are recommended to book before the end of Feb for the best price deals including excellent discounts on school holiday dates. With prices from as little as £99 for a family of up to six for a Spring break (available at a choice of parks and dates) it’s hard to go wrong!

Call 0871 230 1900 or click on www.haven.com. For more information on holiday homes go to www.havenholidayhomes.co.uk

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