Britain could be the place to be for holiday-makers next summer

incidents abroad, encouraging people to opt for safety and economics over guaranteed sunshine.

This is excellent news for the UK tourism industry and especially for the thousands of small businesses providing accommodation and entertainment.

A canvass of some of the more popular locations reveals that there has been an increase in numbers compared with last year but, on the other hand, a marked reluctance to spend, families especially being very selective, always seeking value for money.

Attractions and entertainments as well as cafeterias and restaurants, have to offer top quality and service to keep the tills ringing.

Now, I believe that 2017 will be even more profitable for UK businesses involved with any aspect of tourism.

The pound is likely to stay at close to current levels, with security abroad remaining an important consideration.

Turkey is relatively very cheap and has a superb sunshine history but the political situation may concern many would be visitors.

The British Isles has a wide range of tourist attractions, with glorious scenery from the shores of Caithness to the Isles of Scilly, although I accept that good weather can at times be the missing factor.

Nevertheless, if tourism businesses across the spectrum market what they have, employing the latest techniques, then 2017 could be a very profitable year.

Here, in the Midlands, we have some excellent and wide-ranging attractions to tempt visitors, some of which cost very little.

As an evacuee to the Wyche Cuttings at the beginning of the last war, I well remember Midlanders flocking to the Malvern Hills, conveyed on fleets of “Midland Red” buses, carrying their picnic baskets and enjoying the fresh air whatever the weather. Incidentally, the bus fare was, in today’s money, just 25 pence.

However, as autumn and winter draw nearer, it might be as well to plan early, for I am convinced the United Kingdom will, because of the cheap pound, attract visitors from a wide range of countries, especially from North America and the Far East.

Tourism businesses could be in for a bonanza in 2017, giving opportunities for keen entrepreneurs. It could be speculation time.

Russell Luckock is chairman of Birmingham pressings firm

AE Harris