VisitEngland’s Bank Holiday Trip Tracker Survey found that 5.1m Brits (10 per cent of the population) have already planned holiday trip in the UK during the long weekend, which is likely to generate around £2.1bn in tourism spend.
A further 7.6m Brits (15 per cent of the population) said they were considering a bank holiday getaway in the UK, with a third waiting to see what happens with the weather. A further 29 per cent of those considering a trip said they were delaying a decision based on financial reasons, with 20 per cent waiting to see what special deals and offers come available and 21 per cent stating they prefer to book last minute.
Additionally, 6m people (12 per cent) said they have plans for a day trip, with the seaside the most popular destination followed by countryside and village destinations, large towns or cities and standalone attractions such as theme parks and stately homes.
Minister for Tourism Helen Grant said: “The bank holiday weekend is set to be a bumper one for domestic tourism, generating over £1 billion in spend for the UK economy. From city breaks to days out on the coast, world class music events to cultural trips, the UK has something for everyone to enjoy.”
English hospitality business are set to enjoy 4m domestic holiday visitors, generating tourism spend of £940m.
VisitEngland said bank holiday events such as the Notting Hill Carnival, BBC Good Food Festival, Blenheim Palace Festival of Transport, Great British Rhythm and Blues Festival Liverpool’s international music festival and the International Kite Festival would be major attraction over the weekend.
James Berresford, VisitEngland chief executive said: “There are 4 million Brits planning a holiday trip in England this weekend which is testament to the fantastic product on offer in England,” said James Berresford, VisitEngland chief executive.
“The resulting £940million of spend likely to be generated demonstrates the importance of tourism to the UK economy.
“With an enormous amount going on this weekend at our world class indoor and outdoor attractions and a host of events and festivals happening across the country, there is still time to plan a last minute short break or day trip in England to enjoy, whatever the weather.”
Bank holiday spend
The VisitEngland survey follows yesterdays research from VoucherCodes.co.uk, which predicted that the average Brit will spend £207 over the course of the Bank Holiday weekend, compared to £94 on an average weekend.
Furthermore, eating out rated highly among respondents’ favourite things to do on a bank holiday, with lunch ranked third and dinner and breakfast out in fifth and sixth positions.