Holiday home company Cornish Gems says it has witnessed an “unprecedented” demand for luxury self-catered staycations in Cornwall since domestic travel restrictions eased last month.

The company is reporting an 108% year-on-year increase in bookings to date, a 130% increase in holiday sales and a 50% year-on-year rise in advance bookings for 2021 – indicating that the demand for staycations in the county is showing no sign in slowing..

In the hours following the Government’s confirmation that domestic tourism restrictions were to be eased, traffic to the Cornish Gems website increased by 65%, page views were up by 92% and momentum continues with new users up, year-on-year, by 168%.

June 2020 also proved to be the best month for sales, showing a 240% increase compared to June 2019 – the most significant spike since the company formed back in 2007.

It’s not only bookings seeing a significant spike, with the portfolio team recording a vast increase in enquiries from investors looking to expand their property portfolio in Cornwall –nine new luxury properties were added to the Cornish Gems collection during lockdown.

Cornish Gems Co-founder, Julianne Shelton, said: “Despite the exceptionally challenging months of lockdown we’re pleased to see the summer weeks now fully booked, and that demand is continuing into the autumn with occupancy rates looking like they will achieve 100% week on week right through to November after the October half term holidays.

It’s also very encouraging to see investor confidence remaining strong, which teamed with the high demand for bookings will offer vital support to our local economy and the Cornish hospitality industry.”

All of the Cornish Gems 100-strong team of employees have been retained, thanks to the Government’s furlough scheme and 99% are now back to work.