A holiday let company is the first in the UK to allow renters to cancel on the day their booking begins.

Sykes Holiday Cottages, which lists more than 22,000 holiday properties across the UK and Ireland, has partnered with Pikl, a specialist insurance provider, to enable the new customer proposition.

Flexible cancellation allows travellers to change their mind about going on holiday, cancel their booking and get their money back until midday on the day of their check-in – less what is called a “small” flexible cancellation fee and the costs of any travel or accidental damage insurance they’ve purchased through Sykes.

The firm says the flexible cancellation terms also aim to support holiday let owners to increase bookings. 

A spokesperson says: “As a champion for UK holidays, it’s only right that we’re leading the charge when it comes to our customer proposition, including trying new cancellation options. We understand that plans can change unexpectedly, and our new offering ensures customers can book their dream staycation with peace of mind that they will get money back if they can’t travel.

“This latest update ties directly into our commitment to providing holidaymakers with the best experience possible. Following an initial test period, by providing this option on all of the properties across our UK portfolio, we hope customers will feel more empowered than ever to choose what feels best for them.”

Now part of Forge Holiday Group, Sykes has operated its headquarters in Chester for the past 28 years.