Recent data released by holidaycottages.co.uk indicates a notable increase in bookings for staycations on the Isle of Wight this month, marking a significant uptick compared to February 2023.
The holiday lettings agency has reported a substantial 54 per cent rise in bookings when compared to the same period last year. This surge coincides with the airing of Channel 5’s four-part series “Isle of Wight: Jewel of the South” which premiered on 1st February 2024.
Documentary sparks interest
Following the debut of the documentary, holidaycottages.co.uk claim a remarkable 50 per cent increase in bookings during the week following the first episode.
This upward trend has persisted, they say, with a minimum year-on-year increase of 39 per cent each week since then, indicating sustained interest in the Isle of Wight as a holiday destination.
Analysis of Google Trends data over the past month further supports this observation, showing a significant spike on 8th February, coinciding with the airing of the second episode.
Channel 5’s influence
The four-part documentary, narrated by Alan Titchmarsh, returned for a second series after being filmed last summer.
It showcases the Island’s rich heritage and natural beauty while delving into the lives of both long-standing Island families and newcomers.
Speaking about the surge in bookings, Hannah Cooper, Regional Head of Sales at holidaycottages.co.uk, remarked,
“Boasting beautiful countryside and 800 kilometres of coastal footpaths, there’s so much to see and do on the Isle of Wight. As a result, the island has always proven popular with holidaymakers so it’s great to see so many of our lovely holiday homes enjoying forward bookings for 2024.”
Diverse appeal
Hannah continued,
“While the spike in bookings can’t solely be attributed to the Channel 5 show, it has certainly played a big part in shining the spotlight on England’s biggest island which is easy to reach by ferry.
“The Isle of Wight is a fantastic place to visit, no matter the time of year and that’s reflected in the bookings currently being made.”
Booking trends
The data from holidaycottages.co.uk reveals an even distribution of bookings, with 40 per cent scheduled for spring (March/April/May) and another 40 per cent for summer (June/July/August).
March and June appear to be particularly popular, each capturing 15 and 16 per cent of the share, respectively, as visitors seek to explore the island just before the onset of summer holidays.
A prime destination
As interest in staycations continues to rise, the Isle of Wight stands out as a prime destination, offering a blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and accessibility via ferry routes.
With the ongoing success of Channel 5’s documentary series, the spotlight on our beautiful Island should hopefully be set to endure, attracting visitors from far and wide throughout 2024 and beyond.
