Hotels see double digit spike in demand for first nine months of 2018

UK hotels have experienced consistent growth throughout the first nine months of 2018, according to bookings platform Expedia.

Data released by the travel group pointed to double digit international and domestic demand in many UK regions, including year-on-year growth of 25% in Essex and Bath, and 30% in Cambridge.

Chester (up more than +25%), Southampton (up more than +20%) and Dorset (up almost +20%) also saw strong growth.

London benefited from the strongest demand among tourists, with almost 40% of inbound travellers heading to the capital.

Edinburgh retained its status as second most popular destination by market share after London, while the Highlands and islands saw the biggest year on year growth in Scotland, at more than 20%.

Irene Roberts, director of market management at Expedia Group. said: "Our data reveals that our lodging partners enjoyed a successful first nine months of 2018, a trend we hope continues during the festive period. Despite uncertain times, UK hoteliers have benefitted from a surge in overseas tourism along with a continuation of the booming staycation trend. More and more people are choosing to visit the UK, which is hugely positive news.

"Our data clearly shows that we are successfully working with our lodging partners to increase demand from key international markets, as well as emerging markets, and these visitors are enjoying more locations across the UK."

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