12m Brits to take August bank holiday trip
A survey by tourism council VisitEngland about the nation's plans for the August bank holiday has shown that nearly 12 million of them plan to spend at least one day of it holidaying in the UK this year.
The August Bank Holiday Trip Tracker found that while 30 per cent of Brits are planning to spend at least one night away anywhere in the world this weekend, the vast majority of that group - 78 per cent - will be doing so in England, Scotland or Wales. In contrast, the number of Brits planning an overseas trip this weekend has dropped from 27 per cent last year to 22 per cent this year.
The news will no doubt be welcomed by hospitality businesses who should benefit from Brits spending their money on leisure at home rather than abroad.
James Berresford, chief executive of VisitEngland said he was delighted to see the numbers stacking up well.
"All of our research so far this year and anecdotal evidence from the industry confirm that Britons are indeed rediscovering the joys of holidaying at home in 2009. We are confident that once people are reminded of what England has to offer, be it a culture-vulture break to one of our great cities; a visit to a seaside resort; or a relaxing rural escape – they will realise England has got everything that overseas breaks can offer and more."
VisitEngland spoke to a representative sample of 1,000 Brits aged over 16 for its survey.
