UK holiday parks and campsites could be set for a major financial boost after a survey revealed more than 5 million Brits are planning to holiday at home over the August Bank Holiday weekend.
The survey, compiled by national tourism organisation VisitEngland, showed that 5.1 million British people are planning an overnight trip in the UK, with 4.6 million choosing a stay in England.
It is estimated that these trips could generate around £1.25 billion for the UK economy, the survey suggested. £1.1 billion will be spent in England.
Patricia Yates, VisitBritain and VisitEngland director said it was welcome news: “Record numbers of Brits have been taking holidays at home this year and with so much going on this summer the August Bank Holiday weekend is another chance to enjoy a great holiday whether on a seaside, countryside or city break.”
The survey also shows that a further 3.6 million people are still undecided about whether to take an overnight holiday trip in England over the Bank Holiday weekend. Around 40% said they will make a decision based on the weather forecast and another 20% said they would decide at the last minute.
It has been a record-breaking first four months of the year (January to April) for domestic holiday trips in England. From January to April Brits took 11 million holiday trips, 8% more compared to the same period last year, and spent £2.8 billion, 22% up on last year and taking both measures to record levels for this period.
These figures come on the back of a strong 2015 with domestic holiday trips and spending both up 7% on the previous year to 43.7 million holiday trips in England and £10.7 billion respectively.
The number of Brits taking short-breaks (1–3 nights) in England was up 10% compared to the previous year with people also taking about 4 million more short- breaks in England than they did ten years ago.
