Norwich-based Grand UK Holidays has added more than 30 new holidays to its winter brochure, being released now to cater for early festive demand.

The over-55s specialist, based in Queens Road, has already had several Christmas, New Year and Turkey & Tinsel breaks on sale as a new initiative within its summer 2014 brochure, as many customers expressed a desire to book their festive breaks well in advance.

And Grand UK anticipates another flurry of festive bookings when the new winter brochures reach customers at the start of June.

The operator's optimism is reflected in a recent report by Barclays, which predicts the staycation trend will remain strong.

It forecasts that domestic tourists will contribute £108bn to the UK economy by 2017, up by 25pc, and the hospitality and leisure sector will benefit most from this trend.

Harold Burke, sales director, said: 'Our festive range grows each year as more customers want to celebrate with fellow holidaymakers over the Yuletide season.

'We've seen a great deal of interest in the festive breaks recently as our loyal customers want to ensure they get the hotel and dates they want.

'And even though it's the middle of summer when our brochure comes out, we still take plenty of festive bookings as soon as people see what's on offer for Christmas and New Year.'