Thursday, 18 December 2008

Hoseasons report boost to holidays in UK

"Hoseasons, the UK’s biggest self-catering holiday operator, says bookings are up 15 per cent on this time last year Cottages, farmhouses and lodges in Dorset, the Cotswolds and the Yorkshire Dales are all booking well. Cornwall and parts of Scotland are not as popular, because they are a long distance from major areas of population."

Read full article

Whilst it emphasizes that areas close to the major centres are benefitting, it doesn't say whether bookings for Cornwall or Scotland are down or flat compared to this year.

Tuesday, 9 December 2008

Holidays 'last thing people will give up'

Holidays ‘last thing people will give up’

Holidays still remain a high priority for people despite the current financial turmoil, a new study shows.

More than half (59%) said that even if they had to cut back on spending, their main annual holiday would be the last thing they would give up.

Eighty two per cent of the 2,000 Thomas and First Choice holidaymakers asked said their annual holiday was not a luxury but an important event in the year.

And 88% would not choose holidays as primary area to cut spending.

READ FULL ARTICLE

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Obviously First Choice and Thomas Cook have a vested interest in good news from such a survey but the message is positive.

Wednesday, 3 December 2008

Newquay rolls on

Today I went to the launch of Tourism Newquay, the new destination marketing organisation.

The guys have put together a great site - Visit Newquay - and I really hope that local businesses get behind them.

Newquay needs very good marketing. It's a great town but the season is short. Even when the weather is good, as it was today, the town is very quiet. Newquay needs quality facilities to convince punters that the stunning scenery and exciting activities on offer are worth sacrificing 25 degree heat for.



The Rocklands development in Newquay nears completion. It looks fabulous - something very special. We have signed up 3 of the apartments and are hoping for more. It will certainly raise the game in the quality of accommodation on offer in the town. Let's hope Acorn's developments can match the new level.

There will be a Pizza Express on the ground floor - let's hope they will do takeaways for evenings in!