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Hoseasons reports fifth record summer

Hoseasons has reported its fifth record summer in a row.

The domestic tour operator credits the appeal of UK breaks for the rise in bookings, with its lodges and parks products, which include the brands Autograph, Evermore, Daisy Door and Bouja, up 10% during the summer holidays compared to the same period last year.

The entire Hoseasons product range, including its boating holidays, were up 5% this summer.

Hoseasons managing director, Simon Altham, said: “External factors will always have an impact on the domestic market but this resurgence in UK breaks is not a new phenomenon, nor a knee-jerk reaction to overseas events.

“It’s a trend that’s been growing in recent years as more and more Britons opt to make the most of what ‘s on their doorstep, whether as a main holiday or in addition to an overseas break.

“Being able to pack up the car, go and arrive at your destination within just a few hours is an increasingly-attractive option, especially when it comes to short breaks.”

Altham dismissed weather as the only factor driving UK bookings, adding that it did not impact bookings this year.

“People are more interested in the quality of the accommodation, what’s on offer nearby and having time to catch up with those that matter most to them, rather than the weather. They increasingly want experience-led breaks rather than weather-led ones, so while it’s always nice if the sun is shining, it certainly doesn’t matter if it isn’t.”

The operator reported a surge in last minute bookings two weeks ago ahead of the August bank holiday weekend, and said this was likely to be due to a combination of factors including long traffic jams and migrant protests at Calais.

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