Westcountry can make most of big demand
DevON and Cornwall are in line for a £3 billion ‘staycation’ bonanza as new research estimates 23 million Britons will holiday in the UK in 2021.
Cornwall has come top of a list, with Devon third and Dorset eighth, for counties that are expected to reap the most cash from holidaymakers this year, as Covid-19 restrictions continue to limit foreign holidays.
The study, by Barclays bank, says Cornwall will enjoy a £1.693 billion ‘staycation’ windfall, with Devon in line for £1.534 billion.
They sandwich the Lake District in second place, with £1.635 billion expected to pour in, while Dorset is predicted to earn £1.116 billion from the holiday trade.
Barclays said that, if 23 million Britons holiday in the UK this summer, it will add almost £31 billion to UK GDP.
Billion-pound windfalls will be enjoyed by the ten most popular holiday destinations – including Yorkshire, London, North Wales, the Scottish Highlands, South Wales and the Cotswolds – the bank said, with hotels, B&Bs and tourism economies set to benefit as the accommodation and indoor hospitality sector reopens on May 17.
Steve Double, MP for St Austell and Newquay and chair of the AllParty Parliamentary Group for Hospitality and Tourism, said: “When it comes to location for a Great British staycation, Cornwall has always been top of the list for UK holidaymakers and this summer will be another busy one for hotels, B&Bs, pubs and restaurants in Cornwall and many other parts of the UK.”
The pandemic has encouraged people to support the nation’s economy, Barclays said, and half of British holidaymakers (48%) are planning trips that will allow them to explore areas in the UK, helping 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 more than half of Britons (54%) when on holiday.
The impact of the pandemic is also shown in people’s holiday preferences, the report said. After so much of the past year being spent in lockdown and apart from loved ones, being together is set to be a common theme of this year’s holiday season, with three in five Britons (58%) expecting a resurgence in family holidays.
Shaun Hawkey, owner of The Olde House, a venue with 30 farm cottages in Wadebridge, Cornwall, said: “Last year was challenging, but 2021 is shaping up to be much better. Bookings in the summer months are up, and many guests continue to bring their dogs with them – a trend that has been steadily increasing over the past five years.
“Cornwall’s beaches and coastal paths are perfect for dog walks, and being on a working farm we are always happy to welcome more animals on site,” he added.
“The Covid funding support we received last year has enabled us to adjust our operations and facilities, and we were delighted to welcome guests back to The Olde House in April.”