Print Preview : The UK public looks to destinations nearer to home for 2008 holidays

The UK public looks to destinations nearer to home for 2008 holidays
With recent research from Norwich Union suggesting that 30 million Britons are planning on taking holidays in 2008, and a large number of these in the UK, Haulfryn Group has an upbeat message for the UK holiday market in 2008. Despite the increasingly tough economic situation and rising prices Haulfryn, the residential and holiday park specialist sees a positive outlook for sales of its UK based luxurious holiday accommodation. With recent announcements of increased investment in its holiday locations and support from RBS, Haulfryn is looking ahead to a good season in 2008.

Rod Tucker, CEO of Haulfryn Group, said "For years we have been hearing bad reports on holidays in the UK, ranging from the weather to quality and cost. However, a combination of rising costs of travel abroad, concerns about global warming through air travel, a worsening economic situation and major improvements in UK holiday facilities has made 2008 a very positive year for the UK holiday sector. This is especially true for those looking to take advantage of investing in long-term holiday accommodation due to current 'good deals with low prices' because of the credit crunch. At Haulfryn we have been very proactive and have made major investments to our location facilities and holiday homes enabling us to surpass our nearest competitors and offer our customers the kind of quality package they usually travel abroad to experience."

Further encouragement for this message comes from a recent survey carried-out by online travel company Kayak.co.uk, which found that 95% of Britons believe that taking a holiday once a year is more important that owning a home, having a car or starting a family. This survey also found that despite the economic climate only 2% of the thousand people surveyed would cancel their holiday to help make ends meet; in other words spending on a good holiday is a major priority for many Britons. In another survey from holidaylettings.co.uk, 75% of polled holidaymakers viewed holidays as 'essential'.

"There is clearly a sea change underway in the way that the UK public is viewing where and how to spend its holidays," continued Tucker. "The challenge and opportunity is clearly there for the UK holiday industry to meet this demand; if it is successful it could be the start of a longer term trend.

"We feel that we are leading the way in developing quality holiday homes in both coastal and country locations around the UK. By buying a Haulfryn home, our customers ensure that they have an affordable, luxurious and regular place in which to holiday whenever they wish. We hope that the rest of the industry will see the great opportunity it now has to make the
UK a great place for people to spend their holidays, short breaks and free time," he concluded. Vicky Karantzavelou - Tuesday, July 29, 2008