Selling Travel June 19

ISLE OF SKYE, SCOTLAND
UK Holidays 45
BIRLING GAP, EASTBOURNE
I’m hauling this bucket of ‘nuts’
across the farm and I can already
hear the bleating of hungry ewes
and their newborn lambs - it’s almost
deafening! I’ve not even entered the
barn before silence ensues and bulging
eyes are following my every move. I don’t
think I’ve ever had such a presence!
It’s lambing season, the busiest time
of the year in the Yorkshire Dales, and
I’m attempting to help out whilst the
farmer attends to his pregnant ewes.
I’ve just about survived feeding time
when he calls: “You’ve got small hands
haven’t you lass? I might need a hand
with this one”… I convince myself he’s
joking but thankfully I’m too deep in a
sea of wool to be considered useful!
Being able to transport myself to this
haven of rolling hills and fresh air is like a
form of therapy for me. The tiny village of
Askrigg, where I’ve taken refuge in a cosy
cottage, consists only of the necessities (a
shop and three pubs), and yet I couldn’t
be more content. And it seems I’m not
the only one, the Dales was among the
top five regions for UK bookings in 2018,
dubbed the year of the ‘staycation’,
and it looks set to remain that way.
Close means comfort
According to research from Sykes Cottages,
two-thirds (66%) of Brits enjoyed a UK break
last year, up from 56% in 2017. These rising
figures will continue into 2019 as 50% plan
to spend their main summer break here.
Jane Atkins, Managing Director at
Shearings Holidays says: “Demand for
holidaying in the UK has been high this
“We’ve seen a 20% year-onyear
hike in higher-end
accommodation with
features such as a hot tub
and fireplace”
Sally Henry, Sales Director, Hoseasons
year. The timing of the warm Easter was
fantastic in encouraging customers to
firm up the UK summer holiday plans.
She adds: “Many customers don’t
realise that they can book UK breaks
through their local travel agent so this
is often incremental commission.”
Similarly, Gary Gillespie, Head of
Trade Sales at SuperBreak, encourages
agents to make the most out of
existing customers as each will take an
average of three UK breaks a year!
“For many agents, selling a UK short
break provides an additional revenue
stream which can be profitable as
the UK is not often discounted.
“Many customers who book their cruise,
summer sun or long haul holidays will also
take a few UK breaks a year. It is up to the
agents to talk to their existing customers
about what plans they have alongside
their main holiday. It can be a great way
to boost earnings”, adds Gillespie.
Coasting along
When the weather warms up, there’s
nothing more appealing than a trip to
the seaside, which is why Cornwall’s
clear waters and sandy beaches are a
popular draw for British holidaymakers.
In fact, the South West of England topped
the list for bookings in 2018, with seven
out of the 10 most popular locations
close to the sea. The coastal resorts of
Llandudno, Eastbourne, Torquay and
Bournemouth are all top summer sellers
for SuperBreak while Whitstable remains
a favourite for those looking to sample
local English wines and fresh oysters.
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