CV Villas has experienced a noticeable increase in last-minute holiday bookings for the summer months, registering a 37% rise since April. This trend highlights the ongoing preference for short-haul European destinations, with Corfu, Algarve, and Majorca among the top searches.
- Flexibility in holiday duration has become a key preference, with options now including 5, 6, and 10-day stays in select destinations.
- Increased interest in luxury accommodation has been observed, with a notable 23% rise in bookings for CV Villas’ high-end range, particularly in popular holiday spots like Spain and Croatia.
- The demand for bespoke services continues to grow, with customers requesting private chefs, local experiences, and wellness amenities such as e-bikes and Pilates equipment.
- Economic and global events, such as elections and sports competitions, have influenced consumer booking behaviours, prompting the adoption of short-stay options and last-minute travel deals.
CV Villas has reported a substantial 37% increase in last-minute bookings for summer holidays since April, suggesting a strong consumer interest in immediate travel plans. This trend underscores a continued preference for visiting short-haul European destinations, with Corfu, Algarve, and Majorca topping the search charts on CV Villas’ platform. According to the company, many travellers are eschewing long-haul travel in favour of these accessible getaways, reflecting both convenience and economic considerations.
Significantly, there is a marked flexibility in travel preferences, with CV Villas now offering varied stay durations of five, six, and ten days in Greek islands, Croatia, Turkey, and the Caribbean. Such adaptability caters to the modern traveller’s demand for customised holiday experiences, accommodating shifts in availability and personal scheduling.
Moreover, there’s been a conspicuous rise in demand for luxury accommodations. Booking rates for CV Villas’ esteemed ‘Above’ range have surged by 23% for summer stays. This increase is primarily observed in high-demand locations like Spain’s Majorca and Croatia. High-net-worth individuals are driving this trend, seeking added comforts such as private chefs, curated local experiences, and comprehensive nanny services to enhance their holiday escapes.
This summer, CV Villas has expanded its offerings in response to consumer demand, introducing new experiences specifically in Corfu, Paxos, and Lefkada. Notably, boat hire services in Greece have seen a 24% rise in bookings, indicating a burgeoning interest in bespoke coastal explorations. Additionally, fitness and wellness elements are gaining traction, with customers frequently requesting e-bikes, Pilates Reformer machines, and private yoga classes to maintain their well-being while vacationing.
CV Villas’ managing director, Pete Brudenell, noted the unpredictability of the travel sector this year, mostly due to the prevailing cost-of-living crisis. However, this economic backdrop has not deterred customers from travelling. “Events like the general election, the Euros, and Olympics have led some travellers to pause and reassess their holiday plans,” Brudenell explained, adding that the company’s recent campaign highlights substantial savings of up to 50% in prominent European destinations, further incentivising last-minute bookings. By offering more flexible durations, CV Villas is accommodating the growing trend of short-stay vacations, providing appealing options for consumers re-evaluating their leisure travel plans.
The current rise in late bookings exemplifies a dynamic shift in traveller preferences, embracing flexibility and luxury amidst economic uncertainty.
