The VisitEngland’s Bank Holiday Trip Tracker reveals the plans of travellers for the August bank holiday weekend
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.
Tatiana is the news coordinator for TravelDailyNews Media Network (traveldailynews.gr, traveldailynews.com and traveldailynews.asia). Her role includes monitoring the hundreds of news sources of TravelDailyNews Media Network and skimming the most important according to our strategy.
She holds a Bachelor's degree in Communication & Mass Media from Panteion University of Political & Social Studies of Athens and she has been editor and editor-in-chief in various economic magazines and newspapers.
