Volcano is firing-up UK bookings, says Park Holidays

An eruption of bookings is being recorded by one of Britain's leading holiday park groups as volcanic ash keeps Britain's airlines grounded.

According to Tony Clish, director of Park Holidays UK, bookings at its 25 holiday parks have been up 15% in the days following the eruption of the Icelandic volcano.

Fears that flight bans could reoccur throughout the summer, as predicted by some experts, are in part responsible for the increase, believes the company.

"People just aren't prepared to gamble on their main leisure event of the year, and as a result we are seeing some summer weeks nearing capacity on our parks," said Tony.

Also helping to fuel bookings, says Park Holidays UK, is the threat of future industrial action by some airline staff - plus increased demand following last year's boom in British holidays.

The group's parks are all based in seaside locations across western, southern, and eastern England, and in 2009 played host to a record number of families opting for a UK stay.

"The great news is that people clearly enjoyed their experience, and are re-booking this year - but now other factors are really putting the heat on demand," commented Tony.

"Fears over industrial disputes by airline workers were already having an impact, and now we are witnessing the misery of British people trapped overseas by the cancelled flights.

"For many families, it's reinforcing their view that a UK holiday booked now is likely to be the least stressful way of spending the next few months before their break," he added.

Even the weeks in the run-up to the school holidays are experiencing a bookings boom, says Park Holidays UK which has discounted many July prices by up to 20% to try and even out demand.

Since last year, said Tony Clish, the group had invested millions in new and upgraded accommodation at its parks in anticipation of a continued booking surge:

"As such, we are pretty confident of being able to cope with this extra pressure - but we are urging families to book as early as possible to get the greatest choice," he said.

Details about the group's parks and 2010 holiday availability and prices - including early summer discounts can be found at ParkHolidaysUK.com.