As costs soar a third of Brits choose to stay at home

As the world is struggling to recover from an unprecedented global health, social and economic emergency brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic the travel, tourism, and hospitality industries have been among the most affected sectors.

For almost two years, international travel came a virtual standstill. Airplanes were parked up on the tarmac, pilots and cabin crews were sent home or laid off. Hotels, restaurants and cafes closed, many never to open again. Travel restrictions were put in place in virtually all countries around the world and only those with specific reasons for travel were allowed to do so.

As travel restrictions were slowly lifted and people once again began to dream of holidays in the sun, the travel industry simply wasn’t ready. Too many flights were promised, and too many holidays were booked, and the airlines struggled to fulfil the demand. Flights were cancelled and airport terminals became choked with hordes of angry holiday makers and crying children. Waves of strikes, industrial action, and IT issues did nothing to make matters any less chaotic.

Revenue from tourism is a vital part of the economies of many countries. In 2018 It contributed 6.7% of all gross value added in the UK. At the height of the pandemic, monthly air passenger arrivals to the UK fell from 6,804,900 in February 2020 to 112,300 in April 2020, a fall of 98.3%. With a knock-on effect felt in accommodation and hospitality businesses, cancellations and closures a huge number of people losing their jobs, especially in the 16 to 24 year age group.

Now, businesses are keen to attract new customers to make up for their loses during the pandemic. However, following the chaotic scenes at airports last year, increasing numbers of holiday makers are turning their backs on the offers of cheap flights to Europe and are turning their attention back to the U.K. for their next holiday.

While this development may not be good news for the struggling resorts of continental Europe, it will prove a welcome shot in the arm for British Tourism. The staycation industry did experience a period of growth due to the international travel restrictions caused by the coronavirus pandemic. This growth is predicted to increase as the fallout from the pandemic continues to affect airlines who are struggling to reestablish adequate staffing levels, causing flight cancellations and a consumer uncertainty in the package holiday market.

Numerous UK holiday-related websites have recorded increased enquiries and bookings this year. The luxury camping website Canopy & Stars noted traffic had increased 15% week-on-week from April and was set to rise to 15% ahead of pre-pandemic levels. Sykes Holiday Cottages recorded that holiday bookings had risen by 75% during the 2022 Easter holiday and by 35% over the autumn season compared to 2019. These trends have been noted across the domestic tourist industry are predicted to continue this year.

Neil Bevan, General Manager at The Manor & Ashbury Resorts in Devon has noted this trend as well. He said; “It has been exciting to see more and more people joining us to explore this beautiful part of the country. It’s a fantastic holiday destination, especially for families.”

The Visit Britain website encourages visitors from overseas to visit our shores.

It tempts visitors with “pioneering cultural spaces and urban havens to countryside trails and relaxing wellness retreats.”

It goes on to encourage them to “Venture off the beaten track for fresh coastal perspectives in Wales and laugh along at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. Embrace Manchester’s newest cultural hub, Factory International, or tuck into big flavours as Bristol’s harbourside street food vendors serve up fabulous fusions and creative concoctions. 

Whatever your fancy, it’s time to experience Britain differently.”

Maybe that’s an invitation to all Brits as well. May be this really is the time to to stay at home, and experience Britain differently.