Tourism venues see 'surge' in last-minute bookings

Carolyn Custerson said family accommodation venues in South Devon were already 75% full for the summer holidays

There has been a surge in last-minute bookings for family accommodation in South Devon, helped by the good weather, a tourism boss has said.

Chief executive of the English Rivera Business Improvement District (BID) Carolyn Custerson said family operators, such as holiday parks, big hotels with indoor swimming and family activities, were about 75% full by the start of the six-week summer holidays.

"The weather stimulates bookings," she said. "It gives people confidence to holiday in the UK and we have seen a surge of last minute bookings."

Rhian Hughes, sales and revenue manager at Lady's Mile Holiday Park in Dawlish, said its venue was already 80% full.

"Fingers crossed we can get to full capacity," she added.

"I think over the bank holiday weekend of August, we are 100% full."

She agreed that the good weather has played a big part in people booking.

Rhian Hughes hopes the holiday park will get to full capacity

South Devon attracts on average more than four million visitors a year and Ms Custerson said bookings will continue "right through the summer".

"For the next six weeks - having talked to major operators that provide family accommodation over the last 48 hours - I think we are running at about 75% full," she said.

"Some people are booking up to 24 or 48 hours before in advance."

But she said "there is still capacity".

"I think we will be 80% to 85% full by the end of summer, which is very good."

Carolyn Custerson said South Devon had a strong rebooking pattern

She added that the recent spells of hot weather has helped to give tourists confidence in holidaying in the UK, compared to its biggest competitor which is going abroad.

"We do have a very strong rebooking pattern which is testament to what we have to offer," added Ms Custerson.

"We are a year-round destination, but the summer is when the bulk of the visitors come."