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Holiday in UK plea to boost economy
Holidaymakers are being urged to boost the UK economy by taking domestic breaks this year rather than travelling abroad.
Research carried out for holiday park operator Park Resorts claims that the economy could benefit to the tune of £9.88 billion if holidaymakers chose to stay in this country instead of going overseas.
It shows that the decrease in income earned from foreign holidaymakers could be easily offset by British people staying in the UK this summer.
There has been a 13% fall in overseas visitors in the first three months of 2009, according to the Office of National Statistics.
UK residents took more than 45 million holiday trips overseas last year, spending an average of £565 per trip.
In the same period there were 52 million domestic holiday trips taken, with an average spend of £219.
Park Resorts marketing director Andy Edge, a member of the UK Tourism Advisory Council, said: “Tourism is this country’s fifth largest industry and a major driver of the economy.
“This research shows the impact British people could have in boosting the UK economy by choosing domestic destinations this year.
“If every holidaymaker stayed in the UK and spent the average amount on a UK holiday, then not only would it add almost £10 billion to the UK economy, but each person would save an average of £346.”
Park Resorts claims to have seen a large rise in bookings compared to this time last year, with some of its parks seeing increases of more than 50%.
“The strength of the euro, the increased awareness of what the UK has to offer and the forecast for really good weather this summer are combining to make the UK the place to holiday this year,” said Edge.
“In spite of the general economic gloom, and the decrease in overseas visitors, we think the UK tourist sector could provide a real boost in climbing out of recession.”
by Phil Davies
Phil Davies
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