UK staycation destinations set for billion-pound windfalls
More than 23 million Brits will holiday in the UK this year, bringing £31 billion to the economy, predicts Barclays.
Cornwall is set to be the most popular staycation destination, with the number of holidaymakers bringing a windfall of £1.7 billion to the local economy.
Billion-pound windfalls will be enjoyed by all ten most popular holiday destinations too, including Lake District, Devon, Yorkshire and London.
The pandemic has encouraged people to support the local economy, says Barclaycard, with 48% of British holidaymakers planning trips that will allow them to explore areas in the UK with lots of small independent businesses.
Restaurants are also central to people’s holiday hopes, with access to a top dining spot considered to be ‘really important’ by 54% of Brits when on holiday.
Three in five Brits (58%) are expecting a resurgence in family holidays, while ‘petcations’ will also prove popular, with 5.8 million dog owners and 1.4 million cat owners planning to take their furry friends on holiday.
Hannah Bernard, head of business banking at Barclays, said: “We’ve seen many small businesses adapting their premises to get ready to meet the needs of holidaymakers this summer. The investments that they have made will hopefully be rewarded as millions of Brits support the nation’s hotels, restaurants and shops, providing local economies with a welcome boost.”
Top ten UK holiday destinations 2021 by staycation windfall
Cornwall £1.693 billion
Lake District £1.635 billion
Devon £1.534 billion
Yorkshire £1.462 billion
London £1.366 billion
North Wales £1.346 billion
Scottish Highlands £1.135 billion
Dorset £1.116 billion
South Wales £1.039 billion
Cotswolds £981 million