Category: Press releases

America Embraces the Holiday Ferret

July 11th, 2011 · · Press releases, The Holiday Ferret update, Travel News, Vacation and Rental Property News No comments - Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Prior to last month the Holiday Ferret only had two U.S properties listed on site. Like British bands, British based holiday rental websites find it hard to crack America. The competition is fierce and many Americans like to stay in their homeland for a vacation.  Subsequently, the Holiday Ferret like other holiday rental websites, have struggled slightly to attract the American vacation owners.

This month however, has seen the Holiday Ferret’s American properties increase to four. This does not seem like a significant figure, but the Holiday Ferret can now boast properties in Maine, Florida, Hawaii, and New York. According to James Curl director of the Holiday Ferret, it’s a significant development for the company.

“Though it doesn’t seem like a huge amount of people, it does show we are moving forward. Given the level of competition and the fact we have only been up and running since April, I feel myself and my team have done an excellent job.”

Since its launch the Holiday Ferret which advertises holiday and vacation rentals by owner has seen over 90 accounts created and visitor numbers rise to around 1400 per month.

“The SEO is slowly coming together. We are seeing ourselves on page one of Google for various searches all the time. We think this is why we have caught the eye of vacation rental owners.”

James Curl went on to say that the Holiday Ferret’s news pages are extremely popular, with many U.S based stories being featured on the site. They are also read by a large cross section of the public and travel industry professionals and entrepreneurs.  Recently, the site was accepted on Bing news, though the news stories will not start appearing on the search engine’s news search until the end of the year.

The Holiday rentals market is dominated by HomwAway.com, though other holiday and vacation rental site are beginning to appear prominently in search results.  This is believed to be due to the farmer update, which promotes original content over copied.  This is yet to be officially comfirmed.

“We knew it would not be easy,” continued James Curl.  ”We are moving forward though and that is vitally important for us and our clients.”

Phuket Island Holiday Rentals See Plenty of Visitors on the Holiday Ferret

June 8th, 2011 · · Press releases, The Holiday Ferret update, Travel News 2 comments - Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

The Holiday Ferret have announced that of all the vacation by owner rentals listed, the Phuket Island ones are receiving the most page views per visitor. The site which was launched last month has seen a good number of rental owners signing up to the site, which features holiday and vacation rental properties from all over the world.

Thailand tourists seem to be using the site to book vacation rentals in the country, which many in the travel industry believe are beginning to eclipse hotel bookings for large groups and families due to cost savings.

Phuket Island which is situated off Thailand’s south west coast has always been a popular tourist destination in the country thanks to its natural beauty and exotic ways. Its increase in holiday home rental by owner accommodation has opened up the island to families and large groups of people, who can now afford to stay on Phuket.

James Curl, director of the Holiday Ferret was astonished that Thai cookery classes were so popular. “Apparently, you can learn to cook Thai cuisine. I struggle with toast, but if I was there with noodles in front of me and to the left of me, I’d be tempted to pick up a spatula.” He also added, “It would appear that Phuket is a number one choice for the traveller or tourist that wants to visit Thailand. The water sport activities are particularly good. Other activities and attractions like the Gibbon Rehabilitation Project and elephant trekking are also catching the eye.”

Other destinations which are faring well on the Holiday Ferret are those in England, France, and Spain, with Florida in the U.S also seeing plenty of page views. Udon Thani runs a close second to Phuket as the most viewed location on The Holiday Ferret, but Thailand’s south westerly Island is holding its own in the battle for most viewed.

Many visitors to the island have commented warmly on the standard of accommodation available on Phuket, especially those that stayed in a vacation home rental. The traveller that opts for self catering holiday homes normally needs to control diet and the environment for the rest of the group. Families tend to love them.

The Holiday Ferret is hoping to feature more properties from North America in the coming months, especially those in Florida. It is also hoping that the visitor numbers and holiday and vacation rental owners continue to flock to the Holiday Ferret.

“We aim to please”, said James Curl.

Holiday Homes on Phuket Island, Thailand, Prove Popular on the Holiday Ferret

June 5th, 2011 · · Press releases, The Holiday Ferret update, Travel News 2 comments - Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Since its launch in April, Thailand properties have proved very popular among visitors to the Holiday Ferret. Phuket in particular has seen plenty of activity, with many vacation penthouses being hired, together with other forms of self catering holiday home. Many who have visited the island have commented that they are attracted to its natural beauty and tourist attractions.

The Holiday Ferret has seen plenty of activity since its launch and so far the team believe that it is a success. Other destinations are also seeing plenty of visitors too, including other destinations in Thailand such as Udon Thani. Phuket however, is so far seeing more visits per head than any of its rivals.

“It would appear that Phuket is a number one choice for the traveller or tourist that wants to visit Thailand. The water sport activities are particularly good,” said the Holiday Ferret director James Curl. “Other activities and attractions like the Gibbon Rehabilitation Project and elephant trekking are also catching the eye.”

Phuket’s attractions are not limited to animals and water however, as temple viewing and learning to cook Thailand’s famous cuisine are also proving to be popular among visitors to Phuket Island.

“Apparently, you can learn to cook Thai cuisine”, said James Curl. “I struggle with toast, but if I was there with noodles in front of me and to the left of me, I’d be tempted to pick up a spatula.” And many do.

Travellers to Phuket Island that have rented a vacation by owner have not reported disappointment to the Holiday Ferret or any of its holiday home owners. Phuket Island has an abundance of activities and attractions for families and adults alike, and the average rental by owner cost is significantly less than the equivalent hotel cost on Phuket.

Many visitors have also commented on the friendliness of local people as well as the thrill of seeing a coral reef and the more adventuress participating in cliff diving.

France, England and Spain holiday homes have also seen plenty of visitors, and so far complaints have been minimal and compliments have been lavished in abundance. “We aim to please”, said James Curl. “My team is doing everything possible for both the traveller and the vacation rental owner.”

The Holiday Ferret hopes to showcase more self catering holiday homes in the future including vacation rentals in America and Canada, as well as many more in Phuket, Thailand.

 

The Holiday Ferret Sees a Dramatic Rise in European Vacation and Holiday Rentals Listed on Site

May 16th, 2011 · · Press releases, Travel News No comments - Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

With the news that holiday and vacation rentals are for the U.K and German tourist the most popular form of holiday accommodation, the Holiday Ferret has seen a large number of holiday and vacation rental properties appearing on its site.

France leads the way for holiday rentals listed, with the Mid Pyrenees and Auvergne proving to be the extremely popular among vacationers and tourists.  The U.K as a whole is also popular with properties in England, Wales, and Scotland getting plenty of page views.  Other countries such as Spain, Portugal, Italy, and Greece were also popular.  Outside of Europe Thailand and the U.S lead the way.

This increase comes despite the economic uncertainty that Europe is facing at the moment, especially in light of the countries which have had to have bailouts to survive.  Nonetheless, events such as the royal wedding have commanded thousands of tourists, all of which have been good for the vacation and holiday rentals market.

The director of the Holiday Ferret, James Curl, said cottages in England seemed to be the most popular among tourists and travellers from the U.S, where as apartments and Châteaux’s in France were quickly being snapped up.  “We feel it’s because they capture the character of the place and how people who live and were raised outside of the countries view the country they are visiting.  We’ve noticed that many of our properties were designed and indeed built around surrounding scenery which often leads to a view of breathtaking quality.”

The Holiday Ferret has also received feedback showing that for large parties such as families, accommodation costs through renting owner vacation and holiday rentals were 40% cheaper on average than the hotel equivalent as the cost per person is significantly less, and food can be bought and cooked by the holiday makers rather than buying food in restaurants which can be expensive.

“When you look at the facts and figures, it is no wonder we are seeing such dramatic increases in our European properties.”

James Curl went on to say that America was the next big target, and that the company would expand into both North and South America and tap into the vacation and holiday rentals market that the countries possessed.

The Holiday Ferret features holiday homes and vacation rentals direct from the owner, saving the vacation and holiday makers 40% on hotel costs in some instances.

Portugal Rentals for Pico Island Increase on the Holiday Ferret

April 5th, 2011 · · Press releases No comments - Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

The Holiday Ferret officially launches tomorrow but has started to accept owner properties to the site.  Though rental accommodation in France, Spain, and England have all been added, they did not expect to see an in – flux of properties form Pico Island, which is in the Azores region of Portugal.

Though traditionally not popular with American tourists, the island is beginning to see a larger US based tourist market emerge.  The idyllic setting and the range of activities and leisure pursuits having mass appeal.

Director of the Holiday Ferret said, “Say Portugal to the man in the street and they instantly think of Golf and the Algarve.  Fair enough.  The country however has a lot to offer the visitor and has some of the nicest beaches in the world.  Pico Island, which is in the middle of the Atlantic ocean is a prime example of this, and that is why, I feel, we are seeing a dramatic increase in holiday and vacation rental owners buying property, and listing it on the site.”

The view seems to be echoed somewhat by travellers, who often visit Pico Island to hike, whale watch or swim in her natural pools.  “People seem to be going there for the mountain”, said James Curl.  “Mt. Pico is the highest in Portugal and is a great attraction to tourists. Feedback tells us it is a good base to visit the rest of the Azores Islands too.”

The main town in Pico is Madelana, and contains good places to eat.  James Curl is convinced that it offers something that other parts of Europe do not.  “With any island holiday or vacation, it is bound to be a case of mixing rough with the smooth.  Island holidays offer something for everyone, Pico Island is no exception.”

The Holiday Ferret has also seen a dramatic increase in Thailand

The Holiday Ferret is  a vacation and holiday website which lists accommodation from around the world including property in Pico Island, Azores, Portugal

The Holiday Ferret increases its Thailand listings

April 3rd, 2011 · · Press releases No comments - Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Following its re – launch, the Holiday Ferret is seeing an increasing number of Thailand vacation and holiday rental properties, especially in the region of Andaman Cove. The properties range from basic vacation and holiday rental accommodation to luxurious penthouses fitted with state of the art technology such as widescreen televisions and home cinemas.

James Curl, director of the Holiday Ferret said: “The increase in holiday and vacation rentals underline what many in the travel industry, including ourselves believe, and that is the rental facet of the travel industry is gaining in popularity especially among certain groups of travellers. Families and large groups are seeing the benefit of opting for vacation rentals, as they offer a controlled environment and cheaper meals. Both essential to families and other groups which have to budget carefully.”

Thailand has always been a popular tourist destination, and property developers and managers have obviously made the most of its somewhat idyllic beauty spots.  It like many of the better tourist destinations have features which appeal to all types of travellers.  This view was reinforced by James Curl: “Thailand is very much what you want it to be and is suitable for every type of tourist.  I can see why the tourist industry has flourished there.”

Andaman Cove in the Phuket region is proving particularly popular with tourists and holiday rental developers and managers.  Its coastal location and warm climate, plays a big part in its popularity and is appealing to people that need a break.

Following the re – launch of the Holiday Ferret, the holiday and vacation rental listing website has seen several rental owners list their properties with the holiday and vacation rental company.  Thailand and Portugal has proved especially popular with France and Spain coming a close third and fourth.

 

The Holiday Ferret a holiday and vacation rental company re – launches with a new design and fresh ideas

March 29th, 2011 · · Press releases No comments - Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

The Holiday Ferret has re – launched following the hack on its hosting company server last July. At the time, the site’s marketing had been taken over by Link – Optimise.com, a search engine and social media marketing company.

 

The hack rendered the old site completely useless. It was not all doom and gloom for the site however, as a much needed redesign ensued. It was described by Director James Curl, as an opportunity to think again.

 

The redesign was complimented by a rethink. The site had few selling points in what was a highly competitive industry, something Link – Optimise swiftly brought into being. Phil Wood, The Holiday Ferret’s technical director spoke about some of the early decisions that were made: “It was clear we needed a hosting company we could rely on, so the first task was to move The Holiday Ferret to a new more reliable and secure hosting company which we did. Following that, we thought about what aspects would appeal to owners of holiday and vacation rental apartments and villas.”

 

As a result, The Holiday Ferret now offers holiday and vacation rental owners a trial period of 3 months at no charge. This is also combined with no commission taken on bookings at anytime the property is listed on the site. The marketing too has come into effect with high ranking positions on search engines, and a quality news and travel blog.

 

“We like to think we have come up with the complete vacation and holiday rental site”, commented James Curl.

 

The Holiday Ferret has also bolstered its news pages by adding experienced travel writers Harold Farr and Cassandra Smythe to their editorial team. Both of which have worked in North America, Africa, and Oceania.

 

The new site represents a year of hard work for all concerned at the Holiday Ferret. “It’s been hard, but exciting”, said James Curl. “Having the new journo’s onboard has given us all an exciting buzz. We feel the new Holiday Ferret is spectacular.”

 

The Holiday Ferret Targets Holiday Makers on a Limited Budget

October 13th, 2010 · · Press releases No comments - Tags: , , , , , , , ,

The Holiday Ferret, feels that in today’s world of cuts and cutbacks, the self catering holiday rental apartment keeps this years vacation or holiday, affordable.

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An industry that is often hit by world economics is tourism. Scrapping the vacation or holiday is an easy option to choose when households try to save money, and many miss out on a much needed and deserved two weeks in the sun. Companies and individuals whose livelihoods depend on tourist income also suffer. It is in essence a cruel scenario.

The Holiday Ferret, feels that the vacation or holiday can still be affordable, and has pointed out two savings from electing to stay in self catering accommodation, as the holiday makers save on the cost of accommodation sometimes as much as 40%, and also the cost of food is greatly reduced, as tourists make their own rather than buy it from restaurants and food outlets. The Holiday Ferret feels that this can be a significant factor in saving money.

The Holiday Ferret, which is a worldwide holiday rentals site, is about to re-launch early next month, and has formed two policies which will benefit both vacation rental owner, and holiday maker.  Together with travel news and views, the site promises to be good for the vacation property owner, as well as the traveller and tourist.

At the time of writing, The Holiday Ferret did not want to divulge any more features that are open to users of the site, as many were still being finalised. They did say however, that they hope that people acknowledge that the much need vacation was still affordable providing that he or she did a little research to get the best deals, and that self catering offered some of the most affordable and suitable vacation accommodation available today.

The Holiday Ferret Wants Holiday Apartment Owners to Register Their Interest

October 12th, 2010 · · Press releases No comments

The Holiday Ferret is a vacation rental advertising company, has announced it wants holiday villa owners to register their interest prior to launch.

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The Holiday Ferret is a vacation rental advertising company, has announced it wants holiday villa owners to register their interest prior to launch.

The Holiday Ferret is urging property owners to register their interest with the site. As launch date for the revamped holiday listings site approaches, the directors of the site, James Curl, Richard Teahon, and Phil Wood believe there is a lot to be gained from doing so.

“If you register with us now, you can create an account and upload your property and have it ready to go as soon as the site goes live. As we feature front page exposure for every property, the very first property that somebody sees when they access the site, could be yours.” Stated James Curl, Managing Director of The Holiday Ferret.

The Holiday Ferret was hacked a few months ago, and since then with the cooperation of Odakudesign.co.uk, Teahon.co.uk, and Link-optimsie.com, much progress has been made with the redesign. Badcuts Media, the company that owns the three companies working on the redesign, won the project to SEO the site in March 2009. Since the hack, the companies have been working tirelessly to produce a quality product.
Phil Wood, Technical Director and Lead Designer on the Ferret project elaborated. “It was clear when we took over the SEO and social media marketing of Ferret that a redesign was inevitable. The site was wanting from both a front and back end view point. In one sense, the hack gave us the breathing space to create a better quality self catering apartment listing site, rather than trying to fix a site that was deeply flawed. We have all come to believe it is a blessing in disguise.”

The new site aims to bring an easy collaboration of vacation rental apartment owners, and holiday maker so that both renter and owner are in a win – win situation. Many sites report that self catering apartments are considerably cheaper than hotels, especially for large party bookings. This has made them very popular for people looking for a holiday and vacation.

The Holiday Ferret trades globally, and has accepts properties from all over the world.

The Holiday Ferret has launches on the 10th November 2010, and you can register your interest here.  http://www.press.theholidayferret.com/register-your-interest-in-the-holiday-ferret/

The Holiday Ferret Believes Self Catering is the Future of Tourism.

October 12th, 2010 · · Press releases No comments - Tags: , , , , , , , , , , ,

The Holiday Ferret announced today that the future of tourism lies not with hotels but with self catering holidays, from the campsite to the villa.

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The Holiday Ferret announced today that the future of tourism lies with self catering properties. The worldwide holiday rental company also said that though hotels will always have a place they are more geared around conferences and providing a place for business people to stay than tourists.

To back up this claim, the company pointed out that the savings could be as much as forty percent for the holiday maker that opts for the self catering apartment rather than staying at a hotel, and the self catering option was especially useful for large parties, that could pay as much per week per person as they would for a night in a standard hotel.

Though the company acknowledged that cooking food was something many people wanted to get away from, The Holiday Ferret pointed out that most hotels only offered breakfast with the price and other meals had to be paid for, which pushed the overall price up of the holiday considerably.

Camping and self catering holiday homes have proved popular over the last couple of years, with holiday apartment owners making an average of £10,000 per year from their vacation properties. The Holiday Ferret feels that this is the future of tourism.

The Holiday Ferret also pointed out that self catering homes could be ideal for families, as once rented, they belonged to the family for the duration of their holiday. This provided both privacy and in most instances good play areas for the children which often included swimming pools.

The Holiday Ferret also felt that most self catering apartments had more character than many hotels.

The Holiday Ferret is an holiday rentals company.

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