NEWS FROM HOTELS.COM

Brits set to holiday in Hogwarts?
Fictional tourism on the rise as 70% of Brits mistake fictional television settings for genuine towns!

Thousands of Brits believe the fictional settings of Emmerdale (14%), Albert Square (9%) and Weatherfield (7%) are genuine UK holiday destinations according to research released today by Hotels.com. The hotel expert also found that as holiday-starved Brits lean towards a staycation this summer, over one third (36%) even admitted they wanted to holiday in a number of fictional destinations from Dibley to Downton this summer when questioned.

The survey of 2,000 British adults revealed that as Brits start to plan their summer staycations, fictional destinations are being considered as viable holiday choices. Confusing fiction for fact by favouring the likes of Emmerdale over Eastbourne and Craggy Island over Cromer, Brits also appear bedazzled by the magic of Harry Potter with 6% planning to visit Hogwarts this summer, in addition to Craggy Island (4%) and even Albert Square (4%).

As period dramas enjoy a resurgence, almost one in ten Brits (9%) named Downton Abbey and Pride and Prejudice’s Meryton as real UK holiday hotspots, with 3% considering visiting this summer. Meanwhile, 7% of fans gripped by Midsomer Murders believe that murderous Midsomer is a genuine UK town, with 4% even considering risking their lives with a trip to the fictional destination this holiday season!

Alison Couper, Communications Director at Hotels.com, said: “When planning a staycation, we’d advise Brits get a good old fashioned map out to explore some of the fantastic holiday locations across the country, rather than relying on fictional television destinations – where drama may well follow them!”

The Top Ten most mistaken fictional destinations are:

1. Emmerdale
2. Albert Square
3. Weatherfield
4. Midsomer
5. Craggy Island
6. Hogwarts
7. Downton
8. Hollyoaks
9. Dibley
10. Meryton


-ENDS-

For more information, please call:

Frank PR on 020 7693 6999 or email hotels.com@frankpr.it

Notes to Editors

*The research was carried out between 27.04.11—03.05.11
Sample: 2,000 UK adults
Destination Programme
Emmerdale Emmerdale
Albert Square Eastenders
Weatherfield Coronation Street
Midsomer Midsomer Murders
Craggy Island Father Ted
Hogwarts Harry Potter
Downton Downton Abbey
Hollyoaks Hollyoaks
Dibley Vicar of Dibley
Meryton Pride and Prejudice

About Hotels.com
As part of the Expedia group which operates in all major markets, Hotels.com offers more than 135,000 quality hotels, B&Bs and serviced apartments worldwide. If a customer can find the same deal for less on a prepaid hotel, Hotels.com will match it. Hotels.com benefits from one of the largest hotel contracting teams in the industry negotiating the best rates for its customers, plus there are 2m reviews from users who have actually stayed in the hotels to ensure customers make an informed choice when booking. Hotels.com has recently launched its Welcome Rewards customer loyalty programme in the UK, where customers can earn a free night for every ten nights stayed (subject to Welcome Rewards terms and conditions as set out at www.hotels.com). Hotels.com won the Gold Award for best hotel booking site in Webuser magazine in February 2009. Travellers can book online or by contacting one of the multilingual call centres on 0871 200 0171.