Outdoor accommodation specialist Pitchup.com is celebrating its best summer trading so far, with bookings and sales up 55% based on bookings made during the school holidays. Advance bookings have also increased significantly, with the company seeing a record 180% rise year-on-year.
Pitchup.com’s Managing Director, Dan Yates said: “It’s been the best year ever for domestic travel so naturally people are re-booking early to bag the best spots. We expected some early bookings, but we’ve been overwhelmed by the numbers who are securing their summer holidays for next year. The figures are unprecedented for this sector.
“Part of this is down to the ‘holiday hangover’. People who had a great time want something to look forward to, so book an affordable break for next year as soon as they return, while the holiday is fresh in their mind.”
Once again, England remained the most-booked location this summer and its popularity as a holiday destination continues to grow, with a 45% year-on-year increase in bookings. Wales was the second most popular choice, up 57% year-on-year. Scotland saw 82% growth and Ireland 56% year-on-year.
European destinations have also seen an increase in sales this year. France was the third most popular destination this summer with a 45% year-on-year increase in bookings. Spain and Italy also saw large increases in the numbers of bookings made, with rises of 610% and 874% respectively.
With the recent rise of the smartphone generation, it is perhaps unsurprising that Smartphone bookings during the busy summer season grew 106%. Interestingly, Pitchup.com is also seeing a rise in early bookings made on mobiles and tablet devices.
“This is interesting because it shows mobile booking facilities aren’t just for the late-availability market, but for early bookers too. The super-organised can unlock availability much earlier and plan and book much sooner,” said Yates.13
