🏠 ’Staycation snacking’ leads to a 44% increase in short breaks

And will the highest consumer confidence since Jan 2022 lead to an increase in bookings?

Author

Phil Jackson
June 22, 2024

👋 Welcome to all of the new subscribers who have joined our community over the last couple of weeks. 🎉

Some good news about inflation and consumer confidence this week which may bring about some more bookings over the next few months; even if interest rates aren’t imminently dropping!

See you next Saturday at 5pm?

Phil

Founder, My Holiday Guide

IN THE NEWS

With UK inflation dropping to Bank of England's 2% target, and with consumer confidence at the highest level since January 2022 will this drive an increase in bookings for summer and beyond?

Source : Data - ONS & Gfk. Graphic - My Holiday Guide

Benham & Reeves have written an article highlighting the decline in occupancy rates within the UK for 10 popular UK districts.

Based upon data from AirDNA, excluding Edinburgh, occupancy rates are down between 8% & 16% whilst active listings have continued to rise between 5 & 29% compared to last year.

For Edinburgh, where they have imposed a registration scheme, active listings has dropped by 12% whilst occupancy rates are only down 1%.

Source : Data - AirDNA. Graphic - My Holiday Guide

Other News :

  • Do you have a furry friend that can act as a co-host?! Here’s a story of how a cat is doubling up as a guide for a Airbnb in New York!

  • Expedia is to retire the ebookers UK brand as they continue to rationalise their brand portfolio

  • Key Data, the dynamic pricing platform have released a new version which includes a customisable dashboard, improved performance, an AI powered knowledge base and more

  • SuperControl have released their new website that includes a new, modern design, improved navigation and new customer success stories

LISTING PERFORMANCE & GROWTH
Tips and strategies to enhance the visibility and attractiveness of your holiday let.

What Does The Latest Staycation Index From Sykes Tell Us?

Skyes have recently released their 2024 staycation index report which includes a number of interesting findings.

Here’s a few things we thought were worth highlighting:

Short break bookings are up 44% this year - over a third (35%) of Brits prefer more regular short breaks.

Takeaway : This will be no surprise to anyone! Continue to consider your pricing strategy for shorter breaks and what you can offer that provides the additional experiences guests are looking for. such as unique restaurants, walking routes, national parks, historical sites and museum trips.

17% of Brits intend to visit somewhere in 2024 that they’ve seen on TV or in a film.

Takeaway : Include local film and TV locations into your digital welcome guide and create some social media posts about nearby film locations. I found a Facebook group that is dedicated to sharing film and TV locations so you can always search this group for locations near you.

Glamping bookings were up 67% last year

Takeaway : Sykes highlighted that 63% of 18-24s have been glamping, compared to only 13% of over 55s. Your target market may not be the 18-24 year old bracket however with reasons such as ‘a different experience, the cosiness and to get closer to nature’, there may be some consideration for how you can adapt your FHL to provide more of a taste of these factors to attract additional bookings.

FEATURED RESOURCE
Highlighting useful tools and resources for your holiday let.

Key safes and Smart Locks

Having a robust key safe or smart lock is a basic requirement for a holiday let.

Our resources directory includes a number of products that are regularly recommend by hosts. These include smart locks where you can amend the code via your phone, allowing you to have a new code for each guest.

SAVINGS
Here's a quick round up of discounts and deals we are aware of from providers to the holiday let industry.

  • Ethical Bedding currently have a flash sale with up to 30% off

  • Habitat currently have up to 50% off garden furniture

  • Dusk have 15% off all sofas using the code SOFA15EMAIL

  • The Ethical Superstore currently have 15% off all refillables

  • Dunelm currently have up to 30% off garden items

INTERIOR DESIGN
Interior design inspiration and decor tips.

9 of the best kitchen brands in the UK

Kitchen retailers for all tastes and budgets

www.countryliving.com/uk/homes-interiors/interiors/g41720395/kitchen-brands-uk

13 colour combinations that will make any room look expensive

Understand the pairings that will make your room look luxe rather than low-rent with our expert picks

www.idealhome.co.uk/all-rooms/all-rooms-decor/colour-combinations-that-will-make-any-room-look-expensive

PROPERTIES OF THE NEWSLETTER
We all love looking at and getting inspiration from other properties so here’s our top pick for this edition.

The Studio

In the beating heart of Upper Slaughter, one of England’s doubly-thankful villages, The Studio is a former dairy barn that wouldn’t be out of place amidst the warehouses of artsy Tribeca, with luxe design sensibilities and a soulful story.

www.uniquehomestays.com/self-catering/uk/gloucestershire/upper-slaughter/the-studio

Wilderness Reserve : Luxury Holiday Cottages to Rent in Suffolk

Wilderness Reserve is a collection of exclusive-use country houses, luxury holiday cottages, and off-grid boltholes set in a 5000 acre Suffolk estate.

www.wildernessreserve.com/property?id=7686&type=accommodation

NO FOMO
Missed last weeks newsletter? Here’s one thing you might like.

Never Discuss Politics In A Newsletter They Said!

In last weeks newsletter we provided a summary of what each of the main parties manifestos say about FHLs and renting.

You can read the full newsletter here:

SHARE AWAY
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If a friend sent you our newsletter, you are welcome to subscribe to not miss next weeks edition.