3.6 MILLION BRITS TO TAKE A HOLIDAY AT HOME OVER AUGUST BANK HOLIDAY WEEKEND

43% of population inspired to explore more of UK by exciting events of 2012

2012-08-28 — /travelprnews.com/ — 3.6 million Brits (7% of the adult population) will make the most of the forthcoming August Bank Holiday weekend by taking an overnight holiday trip in the UK, with 2.8 million people (6%) taking that trip in England, according to VisitEngland’s Bank Holiday Trip Tracker. This is likely to generate some £800million in tourism spend for the UK economy, around £600million of which will be spent in England.  These figures compare with only 1.6 million Brits (3%) planning to take a trip abroad over the same period.

The national tourist board also revealed that 43% of Brits said that the high profile events of 2012 – including the Diamond Jubilee, Torch Relay and Olympic and forthcoming Paralympic Games – have made them more interested in getting out and exploring the UK. 81% said that the events of this year had made them feel proud of their country.

A further 6.4 million Brits (13%) are currently undecided about whether to take an overnight trip in the UK over the Bank Holiday weekend, with the weather (31% of this group) and financial concerns (28%) being the main reasons for delaying a decision. One in five (19%) are waiting to see if there are any special deals or offers to take advantage of.

James Berresford, VisitEngland’s Chief Executive commented:
“It’s great news that almost 3 million people will be taking an overnight break in England over the August Bank Holiday; many of them having been inspired to get out and explore this beautiful country by the exciting events of this year. Those waiting on the weather should remember that England is a fantastic all-weather destination, with a wealth of world-class attractions including many free galleries and museums across the country. This weekend is a huge opportunity for the industry to make the most of this surge of national pride, and encourage even more Brits to take the home advantage and take a holiday or day trip in England – whatever the weather.”

Considering day trips; 5.9 million (12%) plan to take a day trip in the UK over the Bank Holiday weekend, with another 14.3 million (29%) still undecided. The most popular planned types of trip are a day out to the seaside (41% of this group) or the countryside (37%). One in five (19%) plan to visit a stand-alone attraction, such as a theme park or stately home.

Mr Berresford continued:
“Whether you’re looking for inspiration or waiting for a special offer, anyone currently undecided about what to do this weekend should take a look at www.great2012offers.com. With thousands of great deals on accommodation, attractions, travel, meals out and more across England, you’re sure to find a holiday or day out to remember!”

For more ideas and inspiration on how to get the best out of a holiday or day trip in England, visit: www.visitengland.com.

-Ends-

Notes to Editors:
• VisitEngland commissions online omnibus surveys periodically in order to collect data on the number of GB consumers who plan to take an overnight trip at key times throughout the year.
• In this Summer Bank Holiday edition, the survey was carried out on an online omnibus by TNS, with a representative sample of 1238 adults aged 16 and over in Great Britain.
• The fieldwork for the survey took place between the 16th and 20th August 2012.
• Trip volumes are based on an adult (16+) population of 49.2m (Office for National Statistics).
• Total trip value is calculated using the average ‘spend per trip’ figures from 2011 for the UK (£179 for all trips, £222 for holiday trips) and England (£172 for all trips, £217 for holidays) – see here for more info: http://www.visitengland.org/Images/Headline%20summary%20GBTS%202011_tcm30-32636.pdf
• For the full report, visit: http://www.visitengland.org/Images/Trip%20Tracker%20August%202012_tcm30-34490.pdf

For more information contact:
Sarah Long, Head of Corporate Communications Tel: 020 7578 1452, Email sarah.long@visitengland.orgwww.visitengland.org
Emma White, Corporate Communications Executive Tel 020 7578 1471, Email: emmalucy.white@visitengland.org www.visitengland.org

About VisitEngland
• VisitEngland is the country’s national tourist board. We work in partnership with the industry to develop the visitor experience across England, plan national tourism strategy, grow the value of tourism in England and provide advocacy for the industry and our visitors
• Our work is underpinned by robust research and customer insights. You can access the latest in-depth market intelligence and statistics on www.visitengland.org/insight-statistics

About England
• England is a unique destination and a real powerhouse in global tourism. It represents 84 per cent of the total UK visitor economy, is worth £97 billion, and supports in excess of 2 million jobs
• More information can be found on www.visitengland.com and www.visitengland.org

Subscribe to Notifications