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UK tops holiday popularity league, research shows
The UK remains the top destination for holidays despite unpredictable weather, new research shows.
More than three quarters of UK internet users – 21 million adults – plan to take a main holiday of seven nights or more away this year, with the UK the most popular destination, followed by Spain, the US and France.
Data produced by research firm Continental Research shows that the South West (Devon, Cornwall and Scilly Isles) is by far the most favoured domestic holiday destination with 35% heading there in 2008 for a main holiday or short break.
Other popular regions are Wales (19%), Somerset and Dorset (18%), Scotland (18%), Yorkshire (13%) and the Lake District (11%).
The popularity of the UK has grown in recent years with many mentioning the great scenery (56%) and no language barrier (47%).
More than 40% are fed up with air travel, 37% also believe it is kinder to the environment to stay in the UK. and 44% worry less if they are ill.
Colin Shaddick, Continental Research’s report author, said: “The British are perhaps used to unexpected heat waves or chilly washouts, so it doesn’t stop us taking our main holiday or mini-breaks here in the UK.
“The UK is also the most popular destination for short breaks. Amongst the 58% of internet users talking a paid for short break in 2008 the UK dominates the destinations visited, followed by the nearer European countries especially France.
“The opening of the new Eurostar terminal and the shorter travel times this service now offers to the continent are likely to encourage more people to think of France and Belgium for short breaks in the future and may compete more aggressively with some UK regions.”
by Phil Davies
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