There was a very significant increase in business over this period of time, and we saw more bookings than we would expect. It is quite clear that the weather was a big reason for this.
(PRWeb UK) December 15, 2010
Recent record winter weather has boosted British holiday bookings. Over a period of two weeks, unseasonably cold weather struck the UK, and while the weather limited short term travel, the period saw a dramatic increase in future bookings. Travelmatch observed a significant spike in the number of holidays booked during the period. Richard Bray of the online travel specialists, comments: “There was a very significant increase in business over this period of time, and we saw more bookings than we would expect. It is quite clear that the weather was a big reason for this.”
Results from other industry sources reported a twenty per cent increase in bookings. Most searches were conducted for warm destinations such as the Canary Islands, Spain, Dubai and Thailand.
Bray suspects that the increase in booking is attributable to signs of an icy winter approaching. He says: “Our customers are aware that this is promising to be a very cold winter. This first burst of frigid temperatures reminded people how important a bit of warm weather is, prompting them to look into potential holidays. It is no coincidence that most clients were looking to head somewhere warm at this time of extreme cold.”
The winter weather abated over the weekend of the 11th of December, but is expected to return over the coming weeks as forecasts continue to call for cold temperatures and snow. Bray concludes: “The past few weeks have been a sign of things to come. We can expect more snow and cold throughout the rest of the winter, and more and more people heading abroad for an escape. In a sense, this is the best of both worlds: our customers will get to enjoy a lovely white Christmas safe in the knowledge that they will soon be heading to a much warmer destination on a well-deserved winter holiday.”
About Travelmatch:
Travelmatch is a new travel discovery engine that helps inspire customers by matching their requirements to a wide range of holidays, hotels, flights, cruises, villas or city breaks. Unlike other travel sites, customers are not required to choose a destination, date or budget before they can begin searching. Customers are able to make informed decisions by exploring photos, user reviews, maps, events and activities and other fun things relevant to their chosen travel product. Travelmatch, which closed its first funding round in 2010, is based in Notting Hill, London.
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