Parkdean’s research found that on average, Britons are looking to spend around £855.35 on their staycations, which is a -1.52% decrease from the survey conducted last year.
Parkdean Resorts have released their new Staycation Report for 2021 highlighting how the travel industry has adapted to the new ways of holidaying in a post-Covid-19 world. In 2020, Parkdean undertook the same study to reveal how Covid-19 had impacted the travel industry, and the 2021 report compares this to the new findings.
While 2020 was a rocky year for the travel industry, 2021 was set to be the saving grace for travellers and holiday companies alike. Parkdean's new study has merged internal data, search volumes and a survey of 2,500 Britons to conclude how the travel industry fared in 2021 and how behaviours and attitudes towards holidaying have adapted and informed travellers on where to spend their 2022 holidays.
Britons look for value for money holidays post Covid-19
Parkdean’s research found that on average, Britons are looking to spend around £855.35 on their staycations, which is a -1.52% decrease from the survey conducted last year. Although this figure has not significantly decreased, it shows that Brits are looking to find more value for money when booking staycations.
With the new travel announcement advising that from the 4th of October, fully vaccinated Brits will be able to avoid expensive day two testing and the simplifying of the traffic light system, this is expected to increase demand for abroad holidays. However, Parkdean’s research found that 53% of those surveyed said they would choose to holiday in the UK in 2021 and 2022, and 39% of those surveyed said that post pandemic, they would be more inclined to spend their holidays in the UK.
Britons still wary of international travel as interest has continued to decline
The research also discovered how online searches for major travel brands and abroad search terms had changed over the last year. Online searches for abroad search terms have taken a massive hit. Searches for ‘cheap holidays to Spain’ have decreased by -64% between May 2020 and May 2021. Similarly, searches for ‘last minute holidays’ have experienced a decrease of -45%, and searches for ‘package holidays’ have decreased by -33%.
But on the other hand, searches for UK travel-related search terms are still on the up. Between June 2020 and June 2021, online searches for ‘travel UK’ had experienced an 83% increase, and ‘UK city breaks’ a 311% increase and ‘UK family holidays’ were up 235%.
Cancellation policies are the most important factors when choosing a holiday company to book with
The study also discovered what are the most contributing factors when choosing types of holidays and holiday companies to book with. Parkdean’s research last year found that 45% of those surveyed said that good reviews was the most contributing factor when choosing a holiday company to book with, however, the research this year discovered that 34% of those surveyed chose free cancellation options and only 29% chose good reviews. Similarly, 42% said that overall value for money was the most important factor for choosing a holiday destination or type of holiday.
Confirming that as travel restrictions have begun to ease, it is key that to offer travellers peace of mind and confidence when booking holidays, travel operators should offer and adapt cancellation options alongside competitive prices.
Most in-demand staycation spots for 2022
But where in the UK are people planning to staycation? The research last year found that Cornwall and Devon were the most in-demand staycation spots of summer 2021, but this year, Devon has lost its title to more northern competitors such as Yorkshire and Lancashire.
The survey revealed that 15% of those choosing to stay in the UK for their holidays in 2021 and 2022, would choose to stay in the South West of England in destinations such as Cornwall, and Parkdean’s internal data agreed, confirming that in 2021, searches for 2022 holidays to Cornwall are up by 66%.
According to the survey data, 8% of people confirmed the next most in-demand staycation spot for 2021 and 2022 is Yorkshire and The Humber. However, Parkdean’s internal data shows that Lancashire is also a contender for the second staycation spot, as searches for 2022 holidays in 2021 were up 60% year on year.
Tatiana is the news coordinator for TravelDailyNews Media Network (traveldailynews.gr, traveldailynews.com and traveldailynews.asia). Her role includes monitoring the hundreds of news sources of TravelDailyNews Media Network and skimming the most important according to our strategy.
She holds a Bachelor's degree in Communication & Mass Media from Panteion University of Political & Social Studies of Athens and she has been editor and editor-in-chief in various economic magazines and newspapers.
