According to a recent report from travel association ABTA, around 35% of British families are yet to book their summer holiday.
This is great news if you still have availability to fill over the summer months, particularly if you have properties in the likes of Spain, Portugal or Cyprus, as ABTA has reported notable increases in bookings to these Western Mediterranean destinations. Meanwhile, bookings to traditional popular destinations such as Tunisia and Egypt have dropped, following the recent terror attacks in the region.
Tips to fill your last-minute availability
Of those surveyed by ABTA, 15% of people said they were waiting for a last-minute bargain. So, if you find you still have last-minute availability over the next couple of months, you can try some canny marketing to boost your bookings:
- Create packages to add value to your holiday experience; these can create perceived value for money.
- Set up a late availability discount if your margins allow.
- Reward previous guests with a tempting voucher for money off a new booking.
- Add a summery, seasonal page to your website, listing everything that’s going on in the local area to tempt new guests in at full price.