COTSWOLD Cottage Gems is looking forward to a busy 2021 summer season as staycations soar with bookings up by 64 per cent for the mid and high seasons. The luxury holiday company enjoyed a hugely successful summer season between lockdowns last year with a one hundred per cent occupancy rate across all its locations. “We’re seeing that many Brits are choosing the Cotswolds for a staycation again this year, just like last,” said owner Gemma Elizabeth. “With our risk-free bookings and Covid-secure services, many UK families have holidays planned with us for later in the year, looking for a change of scene and an opportunity to spend quality time with loved ones. So far we’ve received just one overseas visitor booking.”
COTSWOLD Cottage Gems is looking forward to a busy 2021 summer season as staycations soar with bookings up by 64 per cent for the mid and high seasons. The luxury holiday company enjoyed a hugely successful summer season between lockdowns last year with a one hundred per cent occupancy rate across all its locations. “We’re seeing that many Brits are choosing the Cotswolds for a staycation again this year, just like last,” said owner Gemma Elizabeth. “With our risk-free bookings and Covid-secure services, many UK families have holidays planned with us for later in the year, looking for a change of scene and an opportunity to spend quality time with loved ones. So far we’ve received just one overseas visitor booking.”
Photo: Raphael Surmont
On Dec 21, the government announced that all arrivals from the UK since Dec 14 must isolate, bringing holidays to an abrupt halt for around 420 people. By Sunday, fewer than a dozen remained in the Alpine resort.
Rather than stay cooped up in their chalets, they decided to take flight. While some chose to cross the border by train, others left in the dead of night, fearful that hoteliers would report them to police. Britons not subject to the restrictions said they felt they had to speak in hushed tones when out and about to avoid a grilling.
The ensuing chaos prompted a blame game amongst local authorities yesterday (Monday) about who was responsible and whether border controls should have been tighter. Many on social media branded the fleeing Britons selfish and irresponsible, whilst local tourist chiefs rallied around their most important foreign clientele, who comprise 20 per cent of Verbier s winter guests.