A lettings management platform is hitting out at the government over the uncertainty surrounding travel restrictions, because of its impact on the holiday lets industry, agents and owners.

Houst says there’s been an eight per cent decline in bookings in the month of March for holidays, despite the vaccine roll out and approach of summer. 

The service blames “mixed messages from the government [which] increasingly suggested that summer holiday travel remains under threat.”

Tom Jones, chief commercial officer at Houst, says: “Landlords – whether businesses or private – have had a torrid 12 months. Even as the government prepares to open up the country again for travel, the messaging leaves much to be desired. 

“At the beginning of the year, we saw a surge in demand as the government announced its roadmap out of lockdown, but any positivity was squashed when government spokespeople cast doubt on whether holiday makers would be free to travel the country this summer. 

“We’re urging the government to provide a clearer plan of action, with greater certainty, that consumers and our partners can trust.” 

The management company says it’s expanding into rural locations in the UK where it believes short-term property lets are set to grow faster than in urban areas.