The managing director of online UK accommodation directory i-know-uk has hit out at VisitEngland numbers showing a demise in the staycation trend, saying holidaying at home is more popular than last year.
Statistics released this week from Visit England showed that the number of holiday trips taken by domestic travellers in the UK fell by 3% year-on-year to 26m during January to June 2010.
But iknow’s Marcus Simmons said: “These statistics have placed worry amongst many accommodation providers, who obviously need sustained support from the British public. Our own statistics actually oppose these claims – we’ve seen a 12.2% rise in UK holidays searches compared with the same period in 2009, with the North West, Devon and Wales proving increasingly popular as destinations.
He added: ““We’re pleased that these figures show that British people are still looking closer to home when it comes to holidays– a trend we’re expecting to continue into 2011.
“There’s so much to discover in the UK and it’s no surprise that after last summer’s uncertainty with potential airport strikes, ash clouds and the terrible closure of large overseas travel companies, people want to be sure that their precious holiday time is well spent.”
