Home sweet holiday home

Why does Cornwall continue to ‘buck’ the projected trend for a decline in UK staycations this year?

Forget about flight delays, lost luggage and the other uncertainties of travelling abroad; thousands of holidaymakers are finding that for a hassle-free summer getaway, self-catering letting agency, Cornish Cottage Holidays, provides the perfect solution. As we catch up with Phil Pascoe, the company’s Operations Manager, he explains why he believes many are choosing staycations here in Cornwall this year, over foreign travel.

“Despite the prediction by numerous travel industry experts that people would holiday abroad in their droves in 2022,” says Phil, “over 21,000 people are already booked in to enjoy breaks in our 700 properties this summer. In a post-staycation-boom era, where bookings for self-catering owners are coming later and competition is high, we at Cornish Cottage Holidays are utilising our years of industry experience to continue succeeding, despite the turning tide.”

Key to this, Phil explains, is the company’s steadfast focus on balancing the number of bookings they achieve for owners with the income rate charged for bookings. “Remaining confident in our proven marketing tools and having faith in our data-led pricing matrix, is instrumental – and the reason why we are still seeing large volumes of bookings at the optimum price.”

So, why is it, despite travel restrictions now being a distant memory, that people are still choosing to enjoy a self-catering holiday in beautiful Cornwall, over other holiday destinations? “We think it has to do with three main reasons,” says Phil. “Firstly, the pandemic travel restrictions meant many people discovered Cornwall as a holiday destination for the very first time. There are so many picturesque corners of Cornwall that, for many, had remained unknown until Covid happened. But now people have come across this gem, they can’t stop exploring its charming nooks and crannies. We are seeing these visitors come back to the region again and again!

“Ease of travel is also a factor,” continues Phil. “With travel chaos in UK airports, the instability of major travel operators, and numerous other global factors, holidaying closer to home is an easy, stress-free option. Since 2019, we have seen a 40% uplift in the number of family groups enjoying summer holidays in the region, which is unsurprising, given that Cornwall’s pretty, unspoilt beaches could rival any found in the Mediterranean, without the risk of hours sat in the airport departure lounge.”

The third and final reason, says Phil, is that the choice of self-catering accommodation across Cornwall is incredible! “Whether you’re looking for a stunning contemporary detached home like Beach Haven in Perranporth, which is perfect for a getaway with the children and dog in tow, or a cosy bolthole like Lazy Lodge near Porthtowan, complete with a hot tub, we have options for all.”

“As an agency,” says Phil, “we strive to provide an outstanding service to both our holiday home owners and guests. Being located in Redruth means that we can effectively service all of our holiday homes, with a dedicated local property management team who are on hand 24/7, efficiently taking care of any matters that should arise.”

Indeed, with such first-class service and accommodation offering, plus the many beautiful beaches, wonderful attractions and delightful eateries that Cornwall is home to, it really is no wonder that visitors continue to head to our beloved Duchy for their holidays. 

So, if you’re an owner who is considering letting your holiday home, why not contact Cornish Cottage Holidays’ New Property Team? They’d be delighted to give you an honest appraisal of your property’s rental potential, and all the information you need around the services they offer to new owners. Simply visit the website, or give them a call!

Cornish Cottage Holidays

www.cornishcottageholidays.co.uk