The UK is decided to determine visitors flock to the capital this month in anticipation of the birth of the Royal baby. In line with lastminute.com, Europe’s no 1 go-to site for last minute bookings, flight bookings into London have increased by almost a fifth (17%) and hotel bookings within the last week of June have already increased by 13%. lastminute.com has also predicted that the newest addition to the Royal family will boost the capital’s hospitality market, with sales of London hotel rooms set to rise by a minimum of 30% inside the weeks surrounding the birth.
Since Kate and William’s fairy tale wedding in 2011, a brand new found excitement for the British Royal Family was marked by an uplift in tourist trips to the capital and it kind of feels the Royal baby isn’t any exception. Interestingly, Italians seem most all for the arriving of the third in line to the throne, with flights from Italy into London up a massive 118% year on year. The French also are keen to be on the town for the birth with flight bookings over the Channel up 12%.
However, it sort of feels those at home are less fascinated by the Royal arrival. lastminute.com has also revealed a 41% year on year increase in Londoners booking trips out of the capital next week to popular destinations. It kind of feels, residents of London are choosing to flee the newborn hubbub by getting away abroad, with Barcelona and Amsterdam being the head baby-escapes – stays at these destinations for trips starting next week are up 37% and 13% respectively.
Mark Maddock, Managing Director of lastminute.com UK and Ireland says, “Our booking trends suggest that Royal fever shows no sign of slowing down. Whether jetting in from overseas or escaping the madness of the capital altogether, it isn’t everyday a future King or Queen is born and the ripples are already being felt in travel. London is an implausible city to go to at any time, however the excitement of a Royal baby is providing one other special reason to remain this July.”