Island Life Magazine Ltd August/September 2016 | Page 129

Profiting from the boom
in ‘Staycations’
By Harriet Pagan, Owner Communications Executive, Blue Chip Holidays
As an IOW resident, you can appreciate the beautiful views,
stunning scenery and exciting local attractions that make
the Island such a fantastic location to escape to for anyone
wanting a short break.
The excitement that comes from catching the ferry, the
exotic feel that comes from the flora and fauna, and the
beautifully kept sandy beaches all make visiting the Island
feel like an experience of ‘going abroad’.
These qualities appeal just as much to families in the
school holidays as they do to couples and groups of friends
– indeed, the Isle of Wight offers something for everyone.
At Blue Chip Holidays, we’ve seen a 69 per cent rise in
bookings this July for IOW holidays – and there’s currently
huge demand both for last-minute summer holidays this
year, and also for 2017 holidays. The post-referendum
boom in staycations has no doubt contributed to this rise
in bookings, which is great news for holiday home owners
on the Island. There’s never been a better time to holiday let
a property, and to take advantage of the Island’s popularity
with families, as well as off-peak demand around sailing and
boating events.
Choosing to holiday in the UK doesn’t mean that

these visitors are content to sacrifice the quality of their
accommodation, though. We would always advise holiday
home owners to carefully consider how they market their
property. Partnering with a high-end holiday lettings agency
can help you to attract these discerning guests, and achieve
great revenue figures from your holiday let.
www.bluechipowners.co.uk

One-stop shop for property
There’s a reason why Island-based
family business Red Squirrel calls itself
a ‘property shop’ rather than estate
agency. For the multi-faceted operation
deals not just with everyday sales and
lettings, but also handles property
management and maintenance and
advises on investing in bricks and
mortar.
According to New Business Manager
Charlie Panayi, who runs Red Squirrel
with his mum and stepfather, Eileen
and Stuart Punter, the team of eight
staff can boast more than 100 years
of varied property agency experience
among them – and a real dedication to
heart-felt customer service.

ourselves” says Charlie, “so the business
is our passion and we enjoy helping
others who want to go in the same
direction. Exceptional personal service
comes as standard and costs nothing –
it’s simply part of our culture.”
Working with Charlie, Eileen and
Stuart at the company’s offices in
Newport and Cowes are property
maintenance co-ordinator Karen Slack,
senior negotiators Tony Crumplin
and Wendy Anderson, administrator
Tamara Rice, and newest appointees
Karen Jardine – a former florist
business owner and property specialist
– and admin apprentice Molly Cheek.
Telephone: [phone]

“Most of us also own properties

www.visitilife.com

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