Leading online hotel retailer Octopustravel.co.uk has announced a significant jump in consumer demand as confidence appears to be returning to the market. Bookings over Easter are up 146% on last year, with bookings to UK destinations increasing by a staggering 227%.

With a host of factors including Easter falling later in the spring and increasing taxes on flights contributing to the shift in bookings, the Royal Wedding has certainly played its part in encouraging consumers to take advantage of the extra break. However, Brits aren’t necessarily flocking to the capital for the big event, with bookings to London up by 175% in comparison to the UK increase of 227%.

For those looking for a slice of early summer sunshine, Spain has seen a considerable increase in bookings over the Easter break, with bookings up by 223%.

A further reflection of increased consumer confidence is revealed with bookings for the start of the school holidays up 27% on last year. Bookings to UK hotels in July are up 70% as consumers opt for breaks closer to home in a bid to cut costs without having to give up their holidays altogether.

For the past 10 years Octopus Travel has been committed to providing customers with fully inclusive honest pricing, no hidden charges and simple booking steps. You can also now see independent reviews for most of their 90,000 hotels in more than 14,000 cities, across 180 countries.