HOTELS and B&Bs across Wales are reporting a booming trade as holidaymakers shelve plans for holidays abroad due to the volcano-caused flight chaos.

Restrictions on international flights from the UK because of the volcanic ash from Iceland are having a positive impact on the number of “staycation” holidays and weekend breaks booked in Wales, hoteliers confirmed.

A survey by tour operator, Thomson earlier this month, before the volcanic ash blocked British skies, found that almost half of British holidaymakers were planning to splash out on an overseas holiday this year.

Long-haul bookings were reported as up 14%, with India, Egypt, Morocco, Tunisia and Turkey among the most popular destinations, according to the holiday firm, which said it was a sign of a recovering economy.

But with thousands of people stranded across the world and in the UK, many families have had to postpone their plans for exotic holidays abroad – and in some cases even their honeymoons – until later in the year.

With time booked off work, many have been eager not to miss out completely on a break and have headed to the Welsh coast to make the most of the prolonged sunny spell.

Mark Soanes, director of Call of the Wild, which provides adventure-themed holidays in the Brecon Beacons, said they had received inquiries from people who had had their flights cancelled and were looking for last-minute substitute holiday ideas.

“For instance, one group phoned late on Friday and did mountain biking the following day. They had planned to fly to Europe and beyond but had their flights cancelled. But rather than sit at home they were determined to do something over the weekend as planned with their friends.”

Glyn Heulyn, proprietor of the Harbourmaster Hotel, at Aberaeron, Ceredigion, said: “We’ve had lots and lots of bookings and inquiries this week.

“They include two honeymooning couples staying with us because they could not get away. Aberaeron is much nicer than Antigua anyway.

“But generally our last- minute guests are staying for two to three nights and doing a tour of Wales’ better hotels. Our bookings are really good for the weeks ahead too.”

Haven Holidays, the UK’s largest domestic holiday operator with several holiday parks in Wales, reported an increase of 20% in bookings last weekend, compared to 2009.

A Haven spokesman said: UK holiday companies were reporting a surge in bookings after the airport closure.

“More and more families are opting to holiday closer to home, with most people choosing holiday destinations no more than two hours’ driving distance from where they live.

“Many parks are currently almost completely sold out.”

Rhys Evans, deputy senior director of Consumer Focus Wales, said: “The distinguishing point about this surge in last- minute bookings is that it would appear to be driven by a restriction of consumer choice.

“People will have booked the time off work and will still want to make the most of it.”

Added to this was the fact that holidays at home always seem more attractive when the sun is shining, he said.

“As always, when presented with such an opportunity businesses now need to seize it and deliver a first-class service, providing good value for money, to these customers.”