New statistics from leading global home-swapping site show an increase in member activity for the first quarter of 2021.
Over 30 million people in the UK have now received their first vaccination and many consumers are looking to book a well-deserved holiday. Over the last year, the travel industry has been hugely affected by the pandemic, with holidaymakers having to put far-flung adventures on hold. However, positive news for the travel sector is now on the horizon. Boosted by positive vaccine rollouts in key markets including the UK and the US, leading members-only home swapping site Love Home Swap reveals new statistics that show a steady improvement through the first quarter of 2021, highlighting consumers’ hopes for travel for the rest of the year.
January is usually Love Home Swap’s busiest month, with people starting to plan their travels for the year ahead. Although the start of this year was slightly different to normal, new statistics reveal that there was an impressive 12% increase in people registering to be a member from January to February, with a further increase of 12.5% in those becoming paid members from February to March.
Home swapping is a simple and cost-effective way for consumers to travel at a fraction of the prices usually associated with hotels and holiday rentals. With 36% of Love Home Swap’s members travelling four times a year (pre-Covid-19), the average member saves £3,400 per year on holiday accommodation by choosing to home swap. Year on year, more people are exploring home-swapping as an alternative way to travel and the number of people starting a free trial with Love Home Swap has increased 23% from January to February, and more than 15% from February to March.
A similar pattern materialises when you look at members agreeing trips through Love Home Swap. March 2021 had double the number of trips agreed between members seeking an escape from lockdown life, compared to the number of swaps agreed in January 2021. This paints a positive picture for the role of home swapping in post-lockdown travelling and provides a great opportunity to introduce new members to the concept.
Célia Pronto, Managing Director of Love Home Swap comments: “We are all very excited about what post-lockdown life will bring for those seeking a home-swap holiday when restrictions lift, and we are reassured that our members feel the same. With the rollout of vaccines, we are certain that our members will feel increasingly confident in agreeing swaps and we anticipate a further rise in activity of people wanting to explore the huge benefits of home swapping. Home swapping gives you the space that staying in a resort or hotel cannot provide. Our members enjoy the peace of mind that comes with having a whole space to themselves, and unlike hotels, there’ll be a lot less people passing through the place you’re staying in. Around half of the homes onsite are main homes (rather than holiday homes), meaning that you’re far more likely to be staying in a convenient destination that is away from congested tourist hotspots – in a home that has a more local feel, and is away from the crowds.”
Vicky is the co-founder of TravelDailyNews Media Network where she is the Editor-in Chief. She is also responsible for the daily operation and the financial policy. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Tourism Business Administration from the Technical University of Athens and a Master in Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Wales.
She has many years of both academic and industrial experience within the travel industry. She has written/edited numerous articles in various tourism magazines.
