COVID worries hit sunshine bookings
Locals opt for staycations instead
Almost 90 per cent of Perth residents are “too scared” to travel abroad this summer due to the international impact of COVID-19, according to a revealing study.
Nearly one in five are also fearful of travelling abroad because of new government restrictions that could be rapidly enforced.
The statistics suggests 70 per cent of Perth residents are still planning to take a summer holiday - but that 76 per cent will holiday on British shores this year for a so-called ‘staycation’.
Findings from the 2021 Travelodge Holiday Index survey also reveal that the British seaside was voted local residents’ top holiday destination for 2021.
The average staycation for Perth residents will cost around £850 10th in the national spending list and over £100 less than those from Dundee and Stirling.
In addition the survey shows that 43 per cent of Perth residents have not had a holiday since the first lockdown started in March 2020 and that they “want certainty” that their money will not be wasted and that holidaying at home is “a more secure option”.
Over a third (36 per cent) of residents in Perth reported that the lockdown gave them time to reflect and they now “feel more inspired to get out” and explore what the UK has to offer.
Interestingly the report also revealed that eager holidaymakers in Perth are repackaging their summer holiday this year as “a safety net” in case any new restrictions are enforced and to make the most of 2021 after a year of lockdowns.
Just over a third (34 per cent) of residents in Perth are taking a week’s long summer holiday whilst one fifth are taking a fiveday ‘summercation’.
Sixteen per cent of them are opting for a long weekend holiday this summer and less than one in 10 are taking a traditional two week summer holiday.
Travelodge spokeswoman Shakila Ahmed said: “The results from our 2021 Holiday Index report is certainly encouraging news for the UK hospitality sector and for Scottish tourism with more residents in Perth holidaying at home. We are delighted to reopen all of our Travelodge hotels which includes our 47 hotels across Scotland and our three properties in Perth. We are getting geared up for a busy summer season.
“Our COVID-19 safety programme called TravelodgeProtect+ sits at the heart of our business so customers and teams in Scotland are well protected.”