Member Article

Choice Survey shows holidaymakers turning back to Britain

Research by North West hotel group Choice reveals that an increasing number of people are ditching airport queues and turning to the traditional bucket and spade holiday at home.

The survey found that 36% of us take a UK holiday twice a year, with almost a third taking a break every three months and a further 27% holidaying at home at least once a year.

While the Choice survey proves just how popular UK holidays remain, decisions about what kind of holiday to chose are split. The seaside wins with 53% of the vote with the countryside not far behind with a 47% response rate.

Eddie Nelder director at Choice Hotels says: “These results come as no surprise to us, with bookings on the increase year on year.

“The fantastic summer weather we enjoyed last year has helped to remind people just how much variety there is for great seaside and countryside breaks here in the UK and the passport debacle will put even more focus on the locations holidaymakers can enjoy without ever stepping on a plane or a ferry.”

Choice is well-placed to take advantage of holidaymaker preferences for both seaside and countryside breaks, with three hotels in Blackpool and two in the Lake District.

Mr Nelder continues: “The great thing about holidaying here in the UK is that there is so much to choose from right here on our doorstep.

“Our seaside resorts are world renowned and Blackpool is the archetypal traditional resort offering a mix of family-friendly fun, fantastic beaches and vibrant nightlife.

“Meanwhile, the Lake District is the destination for walkers and nature lovers, drawing visitors from across the globe.”

Blackpool came out top of the poll of seaside resorts that epitomise the great British seaside holiday with a score of 53%, beating Scarborough (13%), St Ives (11%) Newquay, (9%) and Brighton (3%) to the top spot.

The survey also made it clear that UK holidaymakers like to relax during their break by booking into a hotel, with hotel accommodation proving to be the top choice for 72% of respondents, while 21% prefer B&Bs and just 12% choose to stay in a caravan.

Mr Nelder adds: “Our survey proves that it’s time to stop looking at UK holiday as the cheap and cheerful option and start seeing them as a celebration of what’s on offer here at home.

“With great accommodation, lots to do and no language barrier, airport queues or passport worries during a UK holiday, it’s time to say ‘welcome back to Britain’.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Simon Malia .