04 Aug 2020
Leading holiday home company Cornish Gems has witnessed an unprecedented demand for luxury self-catered staycations in Cornwall – driving a surge in consumer bookings and property investments, expanding the portfolio by 5% - since domestic travel restrictions eased (on July 4th).
The Cornish company report an 108% year-on-year increase in bookings to date, a 130% increase in holiday sales and a 50% year-on-year rise in advance bookings for 2021 – indicating that the demand for staycations in the county is showing no sign in slowing, as guests adjust to the 'new normal'.
In the hours following the Government's confirmation that domestic tourism restrictions were to be eased, traffic to the Cornish Gems website increased by 65%, page views were up by 92% and momentum continues with new users up, year-on-year, by 168%.
June 2020 also proved to be the best month for sales, showing a 240% increase compared to June 2019 – the most significant spike since the company formed back in 2007.
It's not only bookings seeing a significant spike, with the portfolio team recording a vast increase in enquiries from investors looking to expand their property portfolio in Cornwall –nine new luxury properties were added to the Cornish Gems collection during lockdown.
Cornish Gems Co-founder, Julianne Shelton says: “Despite the exceptionally challenging months of lockdown we're pleased to see the summer weeks now fully booked, and that demand is continuing into the autumn with occupancy rates looking like they will achieve 100% week on week right through to November after the October Half Term holidays. It's also very encouraging to see investor confidence remaining strong, which teamed with the high demand for bookings will offer vital support to our local economy and the Cornish hospitality industry”.
All of the Cornish Gems 100 strong team of employees have been retained, thanks to the Government's furlough scheme and 99% are now back to work.
With over 180 properties in popular and lesser-known coastal locations along Cornwall's coast, including St Ives, Padstow, Fowey, Mullion and Mousehole, Cornish Gems is continuing to expand its carefully curated property collection to meet the rising consumer demand.
Cornish Gems is now taking bookings for the nine new properties, two of which have private beaches, in Padstow, St Ives, Mevagissey, Crantock and Falmouth. For more information on properties, pricing and availability please visit www.cornishgems.com
ENDS
For further press information and to arrange an interview with co-founders Julianne Shelton or Nadia Macer-Wright, please contact Aimee Rowe-Best.
T: 07414979975
About Cornish Gems:
Specialising in the luxurious, Cornish Gems offer approximately 180 beautifully appointed properties all over Cornwall - from boltholes made for two to large, extravagant properties made for big family getaways or an occasion to remember sleeping up to 20.
Cornish Gems was founded in 2007 by Julianne Shelton and Nadia Macer-Wright who met at university. Inspired by their love of Cornwall, a family history of hospitality and a career interest in the property and luxury markets - their business idea flourished. Cornish Gems is now a leading luxury holiday home company in the UK.
