In the wake of the “Summer of Chaos” in which families had their holiday flights cancelled and holiday plans devastated, it would surprise no one to learn that a third of British holiday makers are opting to avoid the airport terminals and fill up the car for on holiday at home this year.
As Covid travel restrictions eased around the world, everyone’s thoughts immediately turned to holidays in the sun. After two years of “Stay Indoors”, “Wear a Mask”, “Wash your Hands”, and “Red Lists”, the floodgates opened, and a tsunami of desperate sun seekers flooded the internet. The flights were there, the bargains abounded, and the holidays were booked. Unfortunately, the industry wasn’t ready to cope with the demand.
Who can forget the scenes of mayhem as frustrated travellers were left stranded across the nation. A shortage of pilots and cabin crew brought on by two years of layoffs, industrial action, IT glitches, over estimating capacity and underestimating demand, all added to the images of crowded airports and angry confrontations.
A recent report from Office of National Statistics (ONS) recorded that nine out of ten passengers had experienced disrupted travel during the first part of the Summer – with 50% of those facing longer queues than normal, both in the airport when booking in and waiting for flights and at departure when waiting for their luggage to materialise.
If the memories of agonising waits and angry crowds were not enough, this year the rising cost of living, and the increasing costs of travelling overseas, is making many families take a deep breath and reconsider their future holiday plans. After two years of restrictions, for most families not having a holiday at all is a step too far. So instead, they are beginning to consider simpler more affordable options instead, such as staying in the United Kingdom for a change.
Travelodge, a popular budget hotel chain, reported that in a recent survey of its customers, a fifth of believed that overseas travel was too expensive, and a third stated they were planning to stay in the United Kingdom for their primary holiday this year.
Other UK holiday-related business have also noticed ran increased interest in staying local and this has been backed up by a dramatic increase in definite 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 also recorded a substantial rise in holiday bookings of between 75% – 35% the 2022 holiday season. These trends have been noted across the domestic tourist industry are predicted to continue this year.
Whilst this may cast a cloud over our continental neighbours this summer, the steady rise of the “staycation” is excellent news for the British tourism industry, especially those sectors that have struggled to survive two years of covid stagnation. In fact, it presents a golden opportunity for many businesses to build a solid base for future growth.
Neil Bevan, General Manager at The Manor & Ashbury Resorts in the middle of the stunning Devon countryside, echoes those sentiments; “It has been exciting to see more people joining us to explore this beautiful part of the country. From breath-taking views on the moors to nearby sandy beaches– it’s a fantastic holiday destination, especially for families.”
Good Housekeeping magazine states: “Choosing a staycation in the UK over a holiday abroad has many advantages. Not only can you leave your passport at home and avoid the airport hassle, you can usually drive or travel by train, making your flight-free journey a more relaxing part of your getaway.”
“A UK staycation is much more than a practical convenience, too. Our cluster of islands are home to 12,500 miles of rugged coastline, 15 national parks that abound with natural, unkempt beauty and flourishing wildlife, and endless opportunity to indulge in mouthwatering seasonal produce, homegrown wine and local delicacies. “
“In fact, there are seemingly endless acres of breathtaking countryside and a myriad market towns, honey-hued villages and seaside destinations to explore.”
