Lowestoft-based holidays company Hoseasons has continued its bumper start to the year with a spring surge in bookings on the Broads.

The upturn follows a record-breaking start to the year for firm, which is part of international Wyndham Vacation Rentals group.

Managing director Simon Altham said boating breaks on the Broads were as popular as ever, with spring bookings up 22% compared to the same time last year.

He said: “It’s been a strong start to the season with holidaymakers keen to make the most of everything that a relaxing short break on the Broads has to offer.

“The good weather always helps when it comes to domestic boating breaks, but there are plenty of other reasons why customers are coming to our region to enjoy the water, not least the quality of the boats on offer and the fact that the Broads is now being promoted as a national park.

“Add to that the opportunity for friends, families and couples to try their hand at a different type of holiday and the freedom to explore one of the most beautiful parts of the country and it’s no wonder people want to experience the Broads for themselves.”

Back in January Hoseasons reported a record-breaking start to the year for online and call centre bookings.

At that time, bookings for lodges and parks were 10pc up on the same month in 2014, while Norfolk Broads boating had shown even stronger growth, rising by 20pc.

Hoseasons’ increased investment in national television advertising is thought to have played an important role in the level of searches and bookings.

Meanwhile, the improving economy is a key factor with many people thinking about taking more than one holiday this year.

Mr Altham believes the company is also reaping the rewards of its rebrand and new marketing strategies targeting new audiences looking for their second or third holiday a little closer to home in top quality, stylish coastal and countryside settings.

The company is looking to build on its working relationship with sister companies on the continent to woo increasing numbers of families from Germany and the Netherlands to the Broads.