TRAVEL BOOKINGS SOAR BY 266% FOR BREAK OVER ROYAL WEDDING

By Royal Demand...

Travel bookings soar by 266% for break over Royal Wedding

London, 21^stJanuary 2011: People from around the world have booked their seat for the biggest event of the year, as Expedia.co.uk reports a giant 266% rise in bookings to London for the Royal Wedding - the biggest tourist event of 2011.

Proving the Royals are still incredibly popular in the USA, so far three times more Americans have booked hotels for the nuptials than Brits. With thousands of tourists flocking in, UK travellers are celebrating elsewhere. Taking advantage of getting eleven days off for the price of three, bookings have already risen by 80% on Expedia for the 11 day break. Perhaps looking to emulate the royal wedding themselves, Las Vegas is the destination of choice for Brits!

Even in times of celebration, tourists planning to come to London are still watching their budget with many ‘value for money’ hotels being booked up even if it means a compromise on location. At an average price of £140 per night, three star Days Inn hotel is a booking hotspot, as well as Holiday Inn Limehouse and Novotel City South in Southwark.

Most popular hotels in London for 2011

A map of the top 10 hotels can be found here, via Google MyMaps.

Andrew Warner from Expedia.co.uk says, “The Royal Wedding is proving a welcome stimulus for the travel industry and we have seen a significant increase in bookings from travellers seeking to watch the spectacle.  At the same time large numbers of our UK customers have been keen to take advantage of the extra bank holiday and are booking trips further afield than is commonplace in April.

In response to this demand, Expedia has launched a dedicated Royal Wedding travel pagefeaturing both deals to London and getaway options for those simply seeking to take advantage of the fact that, with the extra holiday, taking three days off work can mean an 11 day break”.

2011 destinations uncovered

In 2011, Brits are heading to the cultural capitals of the world, with London, New York, Paris & Rome all featuring in the top five most popular destinations on Expedia.co.uk currently. For those seeking a longer break, Sydney, Dubai and Bangkok all hit the top 20.

Expedia.co.uk activities for a royal day out in the UK

Hampton Court Palace

Take a journey back through 500 years of royal history. Today, the remaining Tudor buildings are among the most important in existence. They are set in 60 acres of immaculate riverside gardens, and include a world-famous maze. Admission for one adult (including a guided tour) costs £14.50. For reservations, visit www.expedia.co.ukor call 0330 123 1235.

The Medieval Banquet

Enjoy a regal banquet lit by flickering torches and an array of live entertainment, held at Ivory House. Tuck in to a four-course feast with unlimited drinks. After dinner, dance the night away or take a short stroll to the Tower of London. The night costs £45 per adult.For reservations, visit www.expedia.co.ukor call 0330 123 1235.

Madame Tussaud’s

Filled with 14 exciting, interactive zones and a brand new Marvel Super Heroes 4D movie experience, Madame Tussaud’s London combines glitz and glamour with incredible history. If you don’t manage to catch a glimpse of Prince Williams on the big day, have your photograph taken alongside him here instead! Admission costs £25.20 per adult and £21.60 per child.  For reservations, visit www.expedia.co.ukor call 0330 123 1235.

-ENDS-

Price correct as of 13/01/11. For further press information, please contact the Expedia press office team:

Telephone: 0870 990 5427

Email: expediapressoffice@golinharris.com