One in three Brits will be holidaying in the UK this summer, spending an average of £567 and looking to get away from it all with a seven day break. These are amongst the key findings of a new holiday index published today; which also discovered that Cornwall is the number one UK holidaymakers' destination of choice this summer.
The definitive holiday report commissioned by Travelodge surveyed 3,300 Britons to investigate their holiday plans for summer 2009. Key findings revealed:
The number of Brits going abroad has fallen from 33% in 2008 to 27% in 2009. 32% are planning on taking a 'staycation' and holidaying domestically.
Of those holidaying at home, 40% will be taking a seaside holiday (same as last year); 24% will be staying in the countryside (up 4%) whilst 18% will be taking a theme park inspired break (+8%)
The amount people expect to be spending on their holiday in 2009 is down on last year - Showing the recession is impacting on disposable income, this year people expect to spend £567 rather than average spend in 2008 of £631.
Holidaymakers expect their biggest expense to be accommodation, with the average spend predicted to be £159. Other expected outlays are £105 on attractions, £104 on eating out and £94 spent on travel.
Paul Harvey, Property Director at Travelodge, said: "The summer of 2009 is set to be a big year for the British tourism industry. With the Met Office predicting glorious weather and a majority of holidaymakers looking to stay at home, this year the resorts and destinations of the UK will be jam packed with British tourists.
"It is also clear that people are looking to have an affordable break, cutting back on how much they are looking to spend when compared to the summer of 2008. Any tourism operators or resorts that are looking to raise prices to cash in on people holidaying domestically are likely to find that visitors choose to stay away.
Listed below are the ten UK holiday locations Britons will be visiting this summer
1. Cornwall
2. Lake District
3. Yorkshire Dales
4. Scottish Highlands & Islands
5. Edinburgh
6. London
7. Isle of Wight
8. Devon
9. Norfolk Broads
10. South Wales
To mark the comeback of the great British holiday, Travelodge has launched a 99p cream tea offer at its top holiday spots throughout the UK. The tasty treat will include an extra large scone, a pot of Cornish clotted cream, a choice of strawberry or raspberry jam and a collection of teas.