Scots ‘to spend £3 billion’ on UK holidays after lockdown release
SCOTS will splash out nearly £3 billion on holidays in Britain this year, according to a survey that hails 2021 as “the year of the staycation”.
Research by hotels chain Travelodge found the British seaside is set to be the top holiday destination for Scots this year, with Blackpool, Whitby and St Andrews named the top coastal draws.
The 2021 Travelodge Holiday Index says 70 per cent of people from Scotland are planning to take a summer holiday – with 78% of these holidaying in Britain.
With the average staycation costing about £986 it is calculated Scots will pay out £2.85bn collectively – with people from Aberdeen set to be the top spenders, shelling out an average £1,420.
The budget hotel chain’s annual index questioned 2,000 adults last month to seek their holiday plans for this year.
Key findings showed holidays in the UK will dominate because 89% of Scots are “too scared to travel abroad” due to the international impact of Covid-19 and fears new Government restrictions could be instantly enforced.
In addition, 43% of people north of the Border have not had a holiday since the first lockdown started in March 2020 and they want certainty their money will not be wasted. For many, holidaying at home is seen as a more secure option.
The report also says eager holidaymakers are “repackaging” their break 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.
Fewer than one in 10 Scots will take a traditional two-week summer holiday, with just over one-third (34%) taking a week away and one- fifth taking a five-day break. However, 16% are opting for just a long weekend away from home.
The survey found Scots are craving sun, sea and sand more than anything else, with nearly half (46%) intent on making a summer jaunt to the seaside.
Blackpool, in Lancashire, is the top coastal destination for Scots this year, whilst Whitby, in North Yorkshire, takes second place ahead of West Sands Beach in St Andrews, Fife, in the top 10 coastal holiday list. The next seven seaside areas are Scarborough, Weymouth, Great Yarmouth, Bridlington, Dundee and Devon.
Escaping to the great Scottish countryside is the second most popular type of holiday, with 24% of people planning a break opting to explore our national heritage and enjoy a country retreat.
A fifth (20%) are taking a UK city summer break this year, with Aberdeen, Glasgow and Edinburgh topping the list of destinations.
Meanwhile, 46% of adults want to create a multi-centre holiday. This includes adding either a city break or a countryside retreat t o a seaside holiday. They say a multi-centre holiday helps them to see more of the UK and also maximises their holiday time.
Nearly a quarter (24%) are planning to combine their holiday with visiting family and friends.
Meanwhile, the top 10 list of holiday activities for Scots includes eating fish and chips at the seaside; going for a walk on the beach at sunset and taking a good hike in the countryside. Having a cream tea in a quaint tea shop and indulging in a traditional pub lunch in a garden also feature.
According to the survey, Glaswegians will be the second biggest spenders, paying out an average of £1,026, while those from St Andrews will part with £1,015 and people from Stirling £1,007. Those from Edinburgh are budgeting for £878.
Shakila Ahmed, spokeswoman for Travelodge, said: “The results from our 2021 Holiday Index report is certainly encouraging news for the UK hospitality sector and for Scottish tourism with more Scots holidaying at home.”