Unrest in world translates to bookings holiday homes and holiday parks: last minute demand for May holidays rises 22%

After a period of restraint, bookings for holiday homes are picking up towards the May holidays strong ON. New figures from Summio Parcs show that bookings have increased by 22% in the past two weeks compared to the same period last year. With this, the market seems to be recovering just before departure.

The rebound follows weeks in which consumers were actually wait-and-see. International tensions and economic uncertainty caused many holidaymakers to postpone their plans. Now some of that demand seems to be coming forward after all.

“You see that people hesitate for a long time, but eventually book anyway,” says Raymond Hoevenaar, Commercial Director. “Especially towards the May holidays, a catch-up is occurring.”

Unrest causes shift to nearby

According to Summio, international unrest plays a clear role in booking behaviour. Tensions in the Middle East, among others, make consumers opt more often for certainty and accessibility. “With uncertainty, people are more likely to choose holidays closer to home,” says Hoevenaar. “Destinations that you can reach by car are becoming more attractive. We see that clearly reflected in the figures now.”

Holiday parks in the Netherlands and surrounding regions are benefiting. Whereas earlier signs pointed to pressure on the market, demand now seems to focus on locations perceived as safe and flexible.

Consumer waits longer, but still books

The new figures confirm a broader trend: the holiday market is becoming less predictable. Earlier, it appeared that the market is splitting between early bookers and last-minute guests. This development is now continuing. Total demand is still around last year's level, but the moment of booking is shifting further and further towards departure dates. Consumers are keeping their options open longer and deciding only at the last minute.

“The classic book pattern is disappearing,” says Hoevenaar. “That makes the market more dynamic, but also more difficult to predict.”

May holidays remain popular, but different from before

Despite changing dynamics, interest in holidays at home remains strong. The recent rise in bookings shows that demand is not disappearing, but manifesting itself differently.

For suppliers, this means that flexibility becomes increasingly important. For consumers, it means more frequent last-minute decisions - resulting in a more erratic but also more dynamic season.