The majority of Swedes book a hotel at the last minute during the summer, according to Scandics statistics for online bookings. 60 percent of those who book during the summer season do so within a week of travelling. And two out of ten book on the same day.
Surprisingly families appear to plan ahead least, with a quarter of them booking on the day that they arrive at the hotel. There is a clear difference compared with foreign bookings. According to the travel industry, the trend is moving in the opposite direction for summer package holidays, where many book their trip a whole year in advance. Johan Michelson, who is responsible for branding and marketing at Scandic, finds it interesting to see this difference in patterns, with plans made much further in advance in the package holidays industry.
- Holidaying in Sweden is fantastic during the summer, and it’s so convenient. Families in particular have to be flexible in the summer when one activity is replaced with another, the weather turns or the parents feel like doing something spontaneous. However, those who book with us well ahead of time do so to make sure they get a family room or a really good price, explains Johan Michelson.
Booking statistics
The statistics show that 60 percent of Scandic’s guests book their hotel in the week of their stay. 21 percent of guests in general and 24 percent of families book on the same day. The figures are based on booking statistics for the period 20 June – 19 August.