Kuldip Rait, Managing Director of White 7 Bedford

With so many of the UK’s top attractions and so much of its top countryside, Bedford has long been a hub for the travel and wedding industry. Then COVID19 happened. Travel was either explicitly or implicitly banned. Weddings had to be either curtailed or cancelled until further notice. Now, however, it is further notice. In fact, it looks like 2021 and 2022 could both be bumper seasons for travel and weddings.

Staycations are here to stay

International holidays may still be some time away but the staycation is back. What’s more, it’s here to stay. The staycation was on the rise long before COVID19. It’s a great way to get a much needed short break to relax and top up your energy levels. Even before the pandemic, there was a growing trend in mini-staycations, basically luxury days out near your own home area. This sector looks set to be huge in 2021.

Throughout most of 2020, people were largely confined to their immediate local areas if not their own homes. Social activity was limited to support bubbles and Zoom calls. Leisure travel was restricted to parks and other local green spaces. This might have been a necessary evil but it was a painful one for everyone. People were deprived of much needed “downtime” and businesses were deprived of income.

Now, all that pent-up demand is finally starting to be released. People are now starting to be able to get out and about and really enjoy life again. This is being shown in a new level of demand for short-distance luxury travel. In practical terms, this means chauffeur-driven, luxury, vehicles.

Advertisement

These combine the practicality of getting you from A to B (or taking you touring wherever you want to go) with high levels of both comfort and safety. Even though the pandemic now appears to be entering its final stages, reputable companies are still taking it very seriously. For example, White 7 Bedford fully sanitizes each vehicle between uses. Wipes and sanitiser are provided for all customers and, of course, chauffeurs wear appropriate masks.

Weddings are back in style

In 2020 engaged couples had to face a miserable choice. They could either curtail their wedding celebrations and have just a handful of guests. Alternatively, they could postpone and have the wedding they wanted later. Some couples had to deal with the former. Many couples, however, took the decision to wait for better days. Now they’re here.

People involved with the weddings industry are already talking about 2021 being the year of “weddings every day of the week”. Kuldip Rait, Director of White 7 Bedford agrees, telling us “We are now fully booked for the 2 weeks towards the end of May. July, Aug and Sept are around 40% booked”.

He continues, “The coronavirus has devastated economies around the world and disrupted life in ways that were unimaginable just a few months ago. But at some point, industries will start coming back online and people will start going out again. At White 7 Bedford we are already seeing the change and people starting to think different and commence bookings for their special day.”

The interest in September indicates that this year, peak wedding season may extend long beyond the summer months. This could be a win for both couples and businesses. Couples can finally go ahead with their wedding plans even if they couldn’t get a date in summer. Businesses can get a much-needed boost during what is usually a quiet season.

Advertisement