Laid-back Londoners are most likely to still be holding off on their booking, with 23% still to decide on a holiday destination.
Condor Ferries says recent reports have suggested that this year's late surge in travel bookings is due to holidaymakers putting off their break until after the summer's major sporting events, but out of over 1,000 people questioned by Condor Ferries just 9% cited wanting to stay at home to support Team GB as the reason for delaying booking their last-minute holiday. Instead, economic uncertainty and the desire to wait and see if travel prices fell emerged as the top reasons for putting off their holiday decisions.
And it seems that British tourist destinations can expect a late boost, with half of those left to book their break (50%) opting for a last minute holiday in the UK and Channel Islands. The majority (54%) of bargain-savvy women put this choice down to the value for money provided by a UK-based holiday, whilst men preferred to stay active with 55% choosing the UK for its wide variety of things to see and do.
Shorter travel times are also an attraction for last-minute bookers, in particular those at an age where they are likely to be travelling with children or grandchildren - 50% of 35-44 year olds and 69% of 45-54 year olds chose this as the factor that most affects their decision to holiday in the UK.
Justin Amey, marketing manager at Condor Ferries, said: "We've certainly seen an increase in bookings over the past couple of weeks, so it's great to see that holiday makers are still looking to travel away this summer, even if it is much later than in previous years. These results also show that holidays in the UK are still hugely popular, which reflects our recent rise in bookings for travel to the Channel Islands."
"Our main destinations of Jersey and Guernsey are a short ferry ride away, providing the perfect destination for a late family break, with some of the warmest weather in the British Isles as well as stunning beaches and a host of great attractions. Anyone yet to book should look at what these amazing islands have to offer."
Condor Ferries travels from the UK to the Channel Islands of Jersey and Guernsey and St Malo in France, with regular crossings departing from the south coast. Last minute travellers should head to www.condorferries.com<http://www.condorferries.com> for more information about these stunning destinations, as well as all the latest offers including day trips and longer breaks.
