LONDON, September 1, 2011 /PRNewswire/ --

-As hotel prices in London soar during the Olympics, Brits are looking to trips away in foreign countries to avoid high hotel costs, say travelmatch-

travelmatch.co.uk say that many British tourists will avoid London during the month of the 2012 Olympics because of the high rates hotels in the capital are charging. Instead the company believe that people will be looking for a range of cheap holidays to Majorca or other popular tourist destinations.

Data released by the Telegraph this month shows that many hotels in London will be asking for almost three times the amount that they usually charge. Standard rates for rooms between July 27 and August 12 will rise dramatically, with huge increases being seen at the Berjaya Hotel in Kensington with the price of rooms rising to £999 a night from their usual charge of £89 to £199.

Alex Francis of travelmatch comments: "The tremendous increase in the price of hotel rooms in the capital will lure Brits to foreign destinations, which have more reasonable hotel rates. The cost of just one night in London during this period would pay for an entire week on an all inclusive holiday to Spain."

Tom Jenkins, chief executive of the European Tour Operators Association, told the Telegraph that theatres in the capital were expecting a 70 per cent dip in business during the Olympic period. This indicates that this sector is expecting local tourism to decrease during the summer of 2012.  

Francis continues: "The fact that theatres are expecting a slump in revenue indicates that businesses in London believe that Brits will be avoiding the capital. The Olympics are a perfect opportunity for people to get away to sunnier climes, to go to the beach or even go shopping. In many cases the amount of time travelling will be the same and Brits will almost definitely save money on hotel costs."

About Travelmatch:

Travelmatch is a new travel discovery engine that helps inspire customers by matching their requirements to a wide range of holidays, hotels, flights, cruises, villas or city breaks. Unlike other travel sites, customers are not required to choose a destination, date or budget before they can begin searching. Customers are able to make informed decisions by exploring photos, user reviews, maps, events and activities and other fun things relevant to their chosen travel product. Travelmatch, which closed its first funding round in 2010, is based in Notting Hill, London.

You can also find Travelmatch on social networks: follow us @Travelmatch or like Travelmatch on Facebook to keep up to date with all the latest news and travel deals.

SOURCE travelmatch