17/05/2010 - Increase in British 'staycationers'
Figures for 2009 showed a sharp rise in the number of British "staycationers", with people making a total of 60.7 million holiday trips in their own country during the year.
In comparison with the overall 2008 figure, there was a 17% rise in the number of holiday trips taken by UK residents in the country during 2009, according to statistics from VisitEngland.
The holidaymakers spent around £12.61 billion during the trips last year, an 11% improvement on the 2008 total.
During 2009, there was an 18% increase in the number of holiday trips taken in England to 47.3 million, which resulted in a 13% rise in spending to £9.74 billion.
Although UK residents made 44.4 million trips to visit friends and relatives in the country last year, there was a 5% decrease in spending during these visits to £4.50 billion.
The "staycationers" included people who avoided a foreign holiday due to financial constraints, and younger residents who wanted to explore the UK.
VisitEngland chief executive James Berresford said: "These findings prove that England's new-found popularity as a holiday destination is not merely a flash in the pan.
"Of course, circumstances last year certainly encouraged more Brits to take a break at home. However this research shows that there is a more permanent shift in attitudes to holidaying at home."
Copyright © Press Association 2010
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