The British ‘staycation’ proved to be more than just an annoying catchphrase, with the number of holidays taken at home this summer up more than 20%, official figures revealed today.
The latest
UK Tourism Survey, from the
Office for National Statistics, shows that trips taken by UK residents in England between June and August increased by 22% compared with last year, with the amount spent by travellers up 20%.
Domestic holidaymakers were visiting the seaside (up 24% on the same quarter last year), going self catering (up 25%) and going away with children (up 33%), the ONS said.
VisitEngland chief executive James Berresford said the figures showed that the ‘staycation’ had reigned over the course of 2009.
“With people tightening their belts and forgoing overseas travel for a break at home, the staycation stopped being about ‘staying in your house and your own garden’ and became all about getting out there and enjoying the best of England,” he said.
Nearly three-quarters of UK consumers plan to holiday at home next year, with 95% of those who took a break in England this year saying they are likely to return next year, VisitEngland research has shown.
Almost 75% of Brits plan to holiday in UK next year >>
‘Staycation’ holidays in the UK up by 13% >> Staycation - how was it for you? >>
By Kerstin Kuhn
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