It has been the buzzword of the summer, but the “holidays at home” seem to remain in the languages of the vacationers for the rest of the year. The barbecue summer may not have materialized; But with an unfavorable pound-per-euro continuing and the UK still officially in recession, predictions of tourists avoiding foreign climates in search of more homey pleasures have proven correct.
Blackpool shook off its seemingly inevitable annual decline by attracting 2 million more guests to the spa in the past 12 months. This trend appears to continue until the end of the year, as hotel providers report higher demand for beds compared to last winter. Family traditional mainstays of British holidays, such as Yarmouth, Skegness and Brighton, have reported similar increases in holiday activity.
The national trust has reported similar improvements in domestic travel with 713,000 people visiting attractions in the Northeast alone, an impressive 100,000 increase from the previous year. David Ronn, director of the National Trust for the region, commented that “at the beginning of the year we were not sure how the recession was going to affect us. We didn’t know if it was a threat or an opportunity that we could seize with both hands. Turns out we’ve had an excellent season. What has happened is that the British are exploring their own country again. More visitors to National Trust properties means more money for the local economy. It’s a win-win situation, especially with the country going through such a dreadful recession. “
Museums and art galleries have reported similar increases. According to The Art Fund, which conducted an investigation of 255 such attractions, two-thirds of those institutions boasted an increase in visits this year. Additionally, events organized by the Royal Horticultural Society, including the Chelsea and Hampton Court flower shows, have seen a 15% higher turnout year-over-year.
It seems that the trend towards preferring the big British summer will continue in 2010, with an increase in advance bookings for domestic holidays in many sectors of the travel industry. James Beresford, CEO of VisitEngland also sees a continued future for ‘stays’, commenting’ the great visitor product on offer in England is back on everyone’s lips, in their minds and here to stay, with the British. embracing the dynamic and diverse holiday offering here at home. We intend to work with the entire English tourism industry to ensure this trend is sustainable throughout 2010 and beyond. “
Overall, the outlook for all those associated with British tourism looks optimistic, even if the British weather doesn’t match.
With the recession in the UK continuing to rage, the trend for cheaper home holidays has exploded. This article looks at the evidence for the trend, its impact, and how “long-term vacations” appear to be popular in 2010.
