Millions of Brits planning bank holiday staycation in boost to hotels
More than seven million people are planning a staycation over the August bank holiday weekend, in a boost for UK hotels.
As many as 7.3 million are planning a domestic overnight trip during the long weekend, according to a new VisitEngland survey.
The projected total is up on the 6.9 million who planned to take an overnight holiday trip during last year's August bank holiday. The figure was 5.1 million in 2016.
VisitEngland's August bank holiday Trip-Tracker survey forecasts an estimated £1.75b boost to the economy.
A further 8.4 million people are still undecided about whether to take an overnight holiday trip in the UK over the bank holiday weekend. Of those undecided, 43% said they are waiting to see what the weather is like.
Tourism minister Michael Ellis said: "It is fantastic that so many people are planning to join the great British staycation this bank holiday weekend.
"Tourism benefits communities across the country and this weekend will bring a significant boost to businesses and the economy.
"The UK has world-class attractions, culture and stunning scenery and I am hugely encouraged that domestic tourism is performing so strongly."
More Brits have been taking holidays at home, VisitEngland figures show, with 59 million domestic holidays taken in the UK last year, up 6% on 2016, with spending also up 6% to £14.1b.
The number of people taking short-breaks of one to three nights in England rose 7% in 2017 over the previous year. The increase represents growth of six million trips a year on a decade ago.
VisitEngland director Patricia Yates said: "We are hearing from many destinations and tourism businesses that they are experiencing a strong summer.
"The certainty of budgeting for a holiday at home, the ease and convenience, are all contributing to people choosing to take more domestic trips, boosting the economy and spreading the benefits of tourism across the country."
Reporting by Phil Davies
Boost for UK hotels as ‘staycation summer' increases demand>>
