The British make more than five billion leisure day visits a year…
The British make more than five billion leisure day visits a year , spending some £71 billion, according to new research from the national agencies responsible for recreation and tourism.
Going out for a meal or drink (18%), walking, hill walking and rambling (15%), visiting friends and relatives (14%) and shopping (11%) are our favourite activities on a day out. Seven in ten visits were to a town or city, nearly a quarter to the countryside and 5% to the British seaside. Average spend was £13.70 per day visit, more than doubling on longer, non-regular trips.
Pam Warhurst, chair of the Countryside Agency (responsible for leading the joint research) said: “This survey shows how much the day trips we all enjoy to our cities, towns, countryside and coast, generate much-needed jobs and income throughout Britain.
“They play a particularly vital part in rural communities, where nearly £10 billion was spent during the year in England`s rural areas. The countryside is part of our national heritage – it remains a popular destination, where people can go to enjoy themselves, with a simple walk, a good pub lunch, some shopping in country towns or simply to sit and enjoy the view. It`s particularly pleasing to see that walking (15%), with all its benefits for the nation`s health, was more popular with the British than going out to shop (11%).
“With the increasing focus on encouraging people to get more active, the countryside can offer something for everyone – from a long distance trail, a historic house and gardens to shopping at a farmers` market or a bite to eat or drink.”
GB Day Visits Survey 2002-3 findings include:
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
