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Daily Record

National

Sean Murphy

Most popular holiday region in Scotland announced as 'record number' of people book staycations

Scotland United Kingdom Galloway (Location) Dumfries (Geopolitical Entity) Highlands Sykes Holiday Cottages

As schools across Scotland get ready to finish for summer, new research has revealed there is set to be a ‘scot-cation’ boom.

Due to the continuing uncertainty around air travel, more Scots than ever planning to stay on home soil for their holidays this year.

This is according to new research by Sykes Holiday Cottages, which revealed that Holiday let bookings in Scotland are up 47% year-on-year – that's a 32% uplift compared to 2019.

In fact, four in five (80%) Scots are set to holiday in Scotland instead of going abroad this year – with more than two in five (42%) stating that it will be their main summer holiday.

West Beach on the island of Berneray (Getty)

New data from Sykes’ 2022 Scotland Staycation Index shows the demand for Scotland as a preferred holiday destination is being seen more widely across the UK too, with a third (32%) of all UK holidaymakers already having a trip booked to Scotland in 2022, and a further 29% planning to before the end of the year.

Looking at all bookings from across the UK, Dumfries and Galloway has overtaken the Highlands as the most in-demand holiday region in Scotland this year.

Southerness leads the way for the most booked destination over summer, according to the 2022 report.

Other popular towns to travel to this summer include Newtonmore, Nairn and Aviemore as well as Cullen in Moray.

And as the cost of living crunch bites, price appears to be the number one incentive for travellers choosing to holiday in Scotland, as people opt for more affordable destinations closer to home instead of travelling further afield.

The average holidaymaker plans to spend £1,100 on their break in Scotland – including accommodation, travel, food and spending money – which is expected to boost Scotland’s economy by an estimated £19 billion in 2022.

Scotland’s scenery is cited as the second biggest reason behind travel, with more than seven in 10 (71%) Brits believing Scotland has the most impressive landscapes in the UK.

The top five factors influencing Brits’ choice of staycation accommodation in Scotland are proximity to walking routes, cycling routes, fishing, coastlines and pubs.

Speaking about the research, Graham Donoghue, CEO of Sykes Holiday Cottages, said: “Although most international travel restrictions are now a distant memory, many travellers have enjoyed staying close to home and they are not ready to stop exploring.

"Our data for 2022 shows that a growing number of people see Scotland as their first-choice UK holiday destination, and as a proud Scot myself, I can hardly blame them.

“With rugged coastlines, beautiful lochs and a hearty food and drink scene, there is so much to discover throughout the country.

"Scotland has been popular with adventure-seekers for a while, but even more families are opting for Scottish summer holidays this year given the squeeze on household budgets.”

New Trends:

Travellers would rather visit Scotland in autumn and winter than summer.
Glamping holidays are rising in popularity this year, with more than half (53%) of UK adults considering a Scottish staycation in a yurt, shepherd’s hut or lodge.
The Shetland Islands are the number one holiday destination Brits say they would most like to visit, followed by the Outer Hebrides and Orkney Islands.
The top travel experiences driving demand include spotting the Northern Lights, exploring the Isle of Skye, whale and dolphin watching, a trip to Loch Ness and driving the North Coast 500.

Other date revealed:

Top 5 regions for Scots staying in Scotland this summer: