32% of Britons will holiday in the UK this summer

Almost a third of UK consumers will be holidaying in the UK this summer, research has revealed.

A Onepoll survey of 3,300 consumers, commissioned by budget hotel group Travelodge, showed that the number going abroad has fallen to 27% (2008: 33%), with 32% planning a domestic holiday.

Of those holidaying at home, 40% will be taking a seaside holiday; 24% will be staying in the countryside (up 4%) whilst 18% will be taking a theme park inspired break (up 8%).

But the amount people expect to be spending on their holiday in 2009 is down on last year as people expect to spend £567 (2008: £631).
 
Holidaymakers expect their biggest expense to be accommodation, with the average spend predicted to be £159.  Other expected outlays are £105 on attractions, £104 on eating out and £94 spent on travel.
 
Paul Harvey, managing director at Travelodge, said: “The summer of 2009 is set to be a big year for the British tourism industry.

“With the Met Office predicting glorious weather and a majority of holidaymakers looking to stay at home, this year the resorts and destinations of the UK will be jam packed with British tourists.”

The top ten UK holiday locations Britons will be visiting this summer are:  

• Cornwall
• Lake District
• Yorkshire Dales
• Scottish Highlands & Islands
• Edinburgh
• London
• Isle of Wight
• Devon
• Norfolk Broads
• South Wales 

Recession an ‘opportunity’ for domestic tourism >>

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Rising pound sparks fears of downturn in domestic tourism >>

By Gemma Sharkey

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