Spike in last-minute holiday bookings due to streak of cloudy, cool Dutch summer weather
A dip in the summer weather has resulted in a rush on last-minute holiday deals. Travel companies have noticed a significant spike in bookings and searches for sunny destinations like Spain, Greece, Egypt, Turkey, and the Antilles, the Telegraaf reported.
Sunweb saw an 11.5 percent increase in bookings last week compared to the week before. This week, that figure is up by another 20 percent. Corendon reported a 35 percent increase in bookings this week. A Corendon blamed the changeable weather. “People still want to enjoy the sun, the beach, and family,” they said to the newspaper.
The Netherlands’ summer started with weeks of sunshine and high temperatures. But last week, that changed to more typical Dutch summer weather - cooler temperatures and regular showers. And the forecasts expect this weather picture to last for a while yet.
“I understand why people are inspired by this weather,” Frank Radstake, chairman of the ANVR, the umbrella organization for travel agencies, told the Telegraaf. According to him, many holidaymakers delayed booking this year, hoping for last-minute deals. And that’s paying off, because prices are relatively reasonable right now.
“There’s still plenty of flight availability at most major destinations, and many popular hotels and apartments are filling up. But there are definitely still trips available if people decide to go on a last-minute trip to the sun with the current changeable weather in the Netherlands,” a TUI spokesperson said.
