With self-catered accommodation open from next week, and the government threatening the nation with fines for travelling abroad, it appears costa del Cornwall is as close as Brits will get to the Mediterranean this summer.
However, staycationers aren’t just set on packing their bucket and spade come April 12th, as new data from Visit Britain reveals that after the South West, the North West, home to historical gems such as Chester, Liverpool and Manchester, comes in as the second most popular destination for Brits this Spring[1]. The data also suggests that with fewer day trippers expected in the Northern cities compared to more rural locations, there’s a unique opportunity for travellers to enjoy exploring without the crowds.
This trend is also backed up by data from Quest Liverpool City Centre. Owned and operated by the largest and fastest growing apartment hotel operator in Australasia Quest Apartment Hotels, the hotel saw a 900% increase in bookings on the day the Government announced it could open again to travellers on 12th April. This is the highest number of bookings the hotel has received in one day since opening in 2019.
Paris D’Allessandro, General Manager at Quest Liverpool City Centre said, “So many people are booking their staycations at the beach this year, but the North West of England has so much to offer and it is an amazing opportunity to avoid the crowds and explore this culture rich region. We look forward to welcoming guests back to the hotel and going the extra mile to ensure that they feel safe and absolutely at ease during their stay.”
The spacious apartments are self-contained and have all the amenities needed for holiday makers and families in a COVID conscious world. With views of the city centre and a well-stocked pantry in reception, the apartments are equipped with a fully functional kitchen, room service powered by Deliveroo and lounge area with flatscreen TV and streaming access.
The challenges faced by the entire hospitality sector this year, Quest remains ambitious with plans to grow in the UK over the next two years, following the 2019 opening of Liverpool City Centre.
[1] Data from Visit Britain COVID-19 Consumer Tracker March 2021