Thinking of expanding your empire and investing in more shepherd huts? With almost half of Brits – 42% of those surveyed by UK retailer GO Outdoors to be exact – set to holiday in the UK this year instead of venturing overseas, there really is no better time to do just that.
This isn’t the only statistic that’s caught our eye however. There has been a spate of market research reports that have highlighted the incredibly exciting opportunities accessible to shepherd hut owners throughout the UK, whether they’re just starting their journeys or are established holiday rental businesses.
So, what does the market have in store for current owners renting out their huts or looking to purchase more? Here we take a closer look at the stats set to shape the industry sector we know, love and serve with our luxury and bespoke shepherd huts.
Whilst the cost of living crisis represents a long-running issue that is currently affecting households up and down the UK, affordability challenges aren’t putting a stop to those holiday plans. According to this research published by Go.Compare, 41% of those surveyed said that the increasing cost of living hasn’t changed their holiday plans for 2023.
The same survey reported a 21% increase in the popularity of short stays. While staycations will also enjoy another boost with 17% of holidaymakers planning to stay on home turf to enjoy their downtime during 2023.
Another report from RSM Consulting found that 47% plan to take a short break of 1 to 4 days, while 46% intend to indulge in longer stays of 5 days or more within the UK this year.
Evidence of continuing market resilience, even in the face of the cost of living crisis and energy price hikes, can be seen in this report from Verdant Leisure too. It found that a whopping 84% of those surveyed were looking to take a staycation this year, which means shepherd hut sites just like yours are highly likely to experience a boom during the weeks and months ahead.
The way people holiday is changing, with once popular, traditional accommodation options like hotels becoming less and less popular, particularly as holidaymakers look to enjoy a more authentic and unique travel experience.
Expedia’s 2021 Q4 forecast reported that holiday rentals were now more popular than hotels, with the urge to “get back to nature” behind the bookings of almost half of those surveyed. As a result, the home holiday market for 2023 is set to be stronger than ever. Many people will be looking to holiday away from the hotel scene and enjoy quirkier rental options like shepherd huts.
While once the accommodation of choice for very particular types of holidaymakers, 2023 will see a variety of people from different backgrounds and with varying budgets seek out the perfect staycation base.
From those looking to enjoy a romantic break, travel solo, or use their generous salaries to experience luxury travel domestically to people wanting to relish a ‘health hiatus’ (i.e. travel for health and wellbeing) or simply escape the rat race without giving up their phone and sacrificing their WiFi signal, the UK holiday rental industry will entertain and inspire every type of traveller.
There’s nothing more inspirational, bespoke, sustainable or satisfying than a stay in one of our shepherd huts. Whether you’re looking to start or expand your portfolio of huts, we can help you grow your site and introduce your guests to a whole new level of luxurious travel and outdoor living.
Browse our range online, come and visit our huts in person, or contact us for further information.
IT was in 2021 that couple James and Sally Ashton came up with the idea of expanding their hospitality business of three self-catering cottages and a bed-and-breakfast premises at >Heathy Lea in De...