Unique Caribbean Holidays Ltd. (UCHL), UK tour operator for Sandals and Beaches Resorts has reported that over a third of its business for 2020 departures is now just late bookings, driven by the government?s travel corridors.
The company, which specialises in luxury all-inclusive Caribbean holidays, analysed data from bookings made in an eight-week period from August 26 to October 20, 2020. Over a third of all bookings (35%) were departing within three months of the booking date ? up from 16% in the same period in 2019. 19% of bookings made during this period in 2020 were for trips departing within just 31 days.
Karl Thompson, managing director of Unique Caribbean Holidays Ltd. (UCHL), said: ?It comes as no surprise to us that the volume of late business that we?re picking up has increased dramatically this autumn. With travel corridors in place to some of our key destinations including St, Lucia, Antigua, Grenada and Barbados, customers are booking last minute holidays to get away before any further travel restrictions or lockdowns might be imposed. Getting a PCR test before travelling is fast becoming the norm and many people see this as a small price to pay to be able to go on holiday with their loved one and enjoy some happy, quality time together in the sunshine.?
Unique Caribbean Holidays also reported an increase in duration of 2020 trips by 16% compared to the previous year, a sign that holidaymakers are determined to make the most of their time overseas when they can travel.
Sandals Resorts has late availability on winter 2020 holidays to Antigua, Grenada, Barbados, St Lucia and other destinations starting from ?1,689 per person with return economy flights.
