Holiday park firms report a surge in bookings for UK summer breaks as Britons seek certainty amid fears of flight cancellations linked to the Iran conflict and potential jet fuel shortages.
Raoul Fraser, chief executive of Lovat, a holiday park operator in south-west England, said website traffic rose after reports of jet fuel warnings. 'Our holiday bookings are up over 30% this year,' he said. 'People just want the certainty of a nice holiday in the UK.'
Butlin's, with sites in Bognor Regis, Minehead and Skegness, reported 'strong growth for the summer school holidays', though its chief executive Jon Hendry Pickup noted many families are booking later due to travel uncertainty. Jeremy Hipkiss of Landal UK added that guests are choosing closer destinations reachable by car or public transport.
Cost of living pressures are also deterring overseas travel. Barclays data showed travel spending fell in March for the first time since 2021, down 3.3%, with spending on travel agents and airlines dropping sharply. Mintel analyst Sinead O'Connor said 52% of Britons plan to holiday in the UK, with the domestic market expected to grow 7% to nearly £14bn.
Fears over jet fuel shortages grew after the International Energy Agency warned Europe has only six weeks of supply. Willie Walsh of the International Air Transport Association said flights could be cancelled from late May, while Ryanair's Michael O'Leary warned Britain is most exposed due to reliance on Kuwait for 25% of supply. Jet fuel prices have more than doubled year-on-year.
Reports of delays at EU border crossings under the new entry-exit system are also putting people off overseas holidays, said Peter Munk of caravan manufacturer Willerby.
