In response to the recent storms battering home shores, HomeAway.co.uk has seen a significant increase in traffic to the site as people check out holiday properties in sunnier climes.

 
It seems that the heavy rain and high winds not only caused flooding and major disruption to transport across England and Wales, but also a staggering 262% increase in views of villas in Ibiza, 105% in Cyprus and a 100% increase for properties in the Algarve on the UK’s leading holiday rentals site.

 Erica Chang, Regional Director of HomeAway.co.uk, says, “The recent bad weather may have brought destruction and interruption to everyday life, but it didn’t stop people from dreaming of jetting off to sunnier climes. Over the past week we have seen a significant increase in organic visits to the site and whilst we cannot be certain there is a correlation with the bad weather and clocks changing, it certainly indicates both have got people thinking about getting away”.

“Whilst there was a striking peak for Mediterranean locations, it was also interesting to see a staggering 2,700% increase in enquiries for cosy Cotswold cottages as people thought about weekend winter breaks,  254% for Cornwall holiday homes and 222% for properties in the Lake District.

Being stuck inside during a spell of bad weather may have made people long for a change of scene and the chance to relax as the darkness of winter sets in and memories of the summer fade”, she added.

With over 545,000 properties to choose from all over the world including 16,328 in the UK, and over 344,000 throughout Europe, there’s something for everyone on the HomeAway.co.uk website for those seeking a change of scene this winter.

ENDS

NOTES TO EDITORS

Founded in 1996 and part of HomeAway Inc., HomeAway.co.uk is the UK’s number one holiday rentals website, listing over 545,000 self-catering properties worldwide. The site provides a simple, cost-effective way for holiday home owners and managers to market their property and manage bookings, with unrivalled worldwide exposure for a fixed annual fee. For holidaymakers, HomeAway.co.uk offers the best choice of any UK website.

For more information, images or quotes please contact Eveleen Hatch at Seriously PR on 01491 822647 / 07815002276 or Eveleen@seriouslypr.co.uk or  Natalie Trice– (0)1491 822647 / 07825615303 or Natalie@seriouslypr.co.uk