News UK travel update 31/03/21 Welcome to News UK
With the roadmap to a return to normality now set out, here at News UK we are going to continue to sharing the latest trends and analysis to give you as much information as possible as we navigate the coming weeks and months back to normal life.
One thing that we can be sure of is a huge pent up demand from Brits to get travelling again, with holidays consistently topping the list of the most desired activities to be spending on once they can. This is backed up in our latest research that we will be sharing with you very soon.
In the meantime, please do let us know if you have any questions or information requests. Editor’s letter Jenny Coad Deputy Travel Editor, The Times
With the return of some of our freedoms (picnics!), the warm weather and the container ship Ever Given coming unstuck from the Suez Canal, this week has felt optimistic. It helps that the parks we’ve been pacing are full of blossom and the mood, generally, festive. Everyone in the travel industry is eagerly awaiting Boris's speech on Monday when we expect to know more about if international travel will resume from May 17. In the meantime it promises to be a sensational, sell-out UK summer (even if the weather doesn't always comply). Yes you might struggle to book your first-choice cottage by the Cornish coast in August, but there are plenty of other, equally tempting, options from the Northumberland coast to the less-visited Scottish islands. Times Travel content
Leading the capture of our readers’ attention this week was an article with contributions from several Top 5 most read travel articles last week: of our journalists and the destinations they are most looking forward to getting back to. 1. Wish we were there: the places our writers Also making the top five was Ben Chatworthy’s are yearning to return to entertaining review of BA’s cook-at-home First Class 2. Chicken or beef? Testing out British Airways’ dining experience. There was also considerable new First Class dine-at-home kits interest in Rhys Jones’ article looking at whether the 3. Could America be our summer saviour? USA could be a summer destination for Brits to keep 4. ‘I’ve dedicated my whole life to travel. Now I an eye on. have no business, no savings and no future’ 5. Anyone for a spot of swim-walking this summer? Sun Travel content
Similar to last week, Sun readers were most engaged with articles that covered the shifting travel regulations. The article around the government’s upcoming announcement Top 5 most read travel articles last week: regarding holidays was the best performer by far, followed by an article covering Matt Hancock speaking on This Morning 1. Boris Johnson confirms he will make big summer about the possibility of foreign holidays this summer. holiday announcement next week 2. Foreign holidays could still happen this summer, We also saw strong engagement with a roundup article of says Matt Hancock great log cabins to stay in post lockdown in the UK - a holiday 3. Stay at these beautiful log cabins for a type we’ve seen increased interest in from readers this year. post-lockdown break from £10 per person a night 4. Brits warned foreign holidays are unlikely by Last week’s article around talk of holidays being banned until ministers and SAGE scientists – and told to book July or being subject to a large fine also still made it into this staycations week’s top 5. 5. Holidays abroad will be officially ILLEGAL for people in England from Monday with £5,000 fine Weekly travel search term trends
With everyone still stuck indoors, searches are mostly being inspired by what's on TV with a rise for Notable search increases last week: the Raffles Hotel, the First Dates hotel in Italy and glamping prices for Escape to the Chateau. - Disney cruise staycation - Breakout - Raffles Hotel Singapore - 3300% There's also a huge increase in search for Disney’s - Do cruise ships go through the Suez Canal? - 2050% staycation cruises which launched last week. - First Dates Hotel Italy - 1450% - Holidays to St Ives - 800% All stats are taken from Google. - What's the latest on the UK/US travel corridor? - 450% - Escape to the Chateau glamping prices - 250% - Wigwam holidays - 200% - Best hotels in Tenby - 120% - Route 66 holidays - 80% Style Magazine Wedding Issue
The Sunday Times Style Magazine will be running a dedicated Wedding issue on 25/04 (brought forward from May). The issue will include: ● New bridal brands you need to know ● Accessories and engagement rings ● Guest dressing ● Dolly Alderton on Weddings ● Jane McFarland and Sarah Jossell writing about trying to find a bridal outfit plus a trends piece
Please get in touch for rates and more info if you are keen to advertise honeymoon content in this issue. Copy deadline is next Friday 09/04. The Sunday Times Rich List
The Sunday Times Rich List is the definitive guide to wealth in the UK and historically the biggest-selling edition of the newspaper every year. It will be published this year on 16/05.
This year’s issue will feature The Giving List – the Rich Listers making their mark on the country philanthropically. This will be the 20th anniversary edition of this publication and will particularly focus on the response to Covid-19.
Print display advertising and advertorial formats are available - please get in touch for rates and more information. Copy deadline is 30/04/21. A Year in Numbers
Last week marked a year since the first lockdown began. Lots has been achieved in this time at News UK and the image opposite shows a roundup in numbers.
Some key achievements: ● The Sun recruited 50,000 Jabs Army volunteers for Covid-19 vaccine centres ● The Times has raised £3.1m supporting Tusk, Fareshare and Sported charities The Sun Love Island opportunity
Love Island is returning to our screens this summer and The Sun continues to be the unofficial second home of what is always one of the most talked about shows on TV and is sure to catch the imagination of the public once more.
We have opportunities to join forces with us on a cross platform sponsorship throughout June and July to run alongside the show and the content across thesun.co.uk and in print.
Get in touch with us for more information. Thank you
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