South: Accommodation providers expect boost in tourism

Business confidence among accommodation providers is at a record high for the summer holidays in a VisitEngland survey published this week. 

The survey findings also show that out of 500 accommodation providers, more than half are expecting an increase in visitors following the EU Referendum outcome with a particular boost expected for the domestic market. 

English businesses are anticipating a strong summer holiday period with 65% of accommodation providers feeling “very confident” about the summer holidays and 47% reporting forward bookings as “very good” – both record highs for the survey. 

Around 40% of accommodation providers and attractions reported increased visitor numbers in the year to date with a further 30% maintaining performance. 

Tourism minister Tracey Crouch said: "The number of people enjoying holidays in England is at a record high. With our world-leading museums and galleries, beautiful countryside and stunning coastline, it should come as no surprise that more people are planning staycations this summer. 

"Tourism contributes an estimated £60 billion to our economy every year, so a strong summer season is not only great news for the sector but the whole country."

VisitEngland director Patricia Yates said: “It’s a great summer to holiday in England and a fantastic opportunity for the tourism industry to showcase the range of quality tourism products on offer across the country and demonstrate just why our regions should top people’s list as must-go now destinations.

“We are continuing our global #OMGB ‘Home of Amazing Moments’ marketing campaign to showcase the amazing experiences in our own backyard and working with partners to offer great tactical deals to drive bookings.”

Yates said that, with the weakened pound, a holiday at home also gave people the reassurance and certainty of budgeting for a domestic trip. 

It has been a record-breaking first four months of the year (January to April) for domestic holiday trips in England. From January to April Brits took 11 million holiday trips, 8% more compared to the same period last year, and spent £2.8b, 22% up on last year and taking both measures to record levels for this period. 

These figures come on the back of a strong 2015 with domestic holiday trips and spending both up 7% on the previous year to 43.7 million holiday trips and £10.7 billion respectively. 

The number of Brits taking short-breaks in England was up 10% compared to the previous year with people also taking about 4 million more short-breaks in England than they did 10 years ago. 

Also in 2015 domestic seaside holiday trips were up 7%, city holidays up 6% and countryside holidays up 12%.