Travelodge says visitors plan breaks in the West

MOST people are planning to holiday in the UK this year, spending billions of pounds which will boost local economies, a new study suggested.

Travelodge said a survey of 2,000 adults indicated that more than four in five were planning a ‘staycation’ break this summer, with Devon and Cornwall top of the list of choices to take a break in this country.

Most respondents to the survey said the impact on international travel of Covid-19 had been the main reason for their decision.

The hotel chain estimated that the staycation boom could be worth up to £31 billion to the UK economy.

Half of respondents said they have not had a holiday since the first lockdown began in March, 2020.

As well as Cornwall and Devon, Blackpool, Brighton and Bournemouth were named among the most popular coastal holiday destination.

The Lake District, North Wales and the Scottish Highlands were the top rural destinations in the survey.

One in four of those questioned said they were taking a city break this summer, with Oxford, Aberdeen and Bath among the most popular.

Travelodge spokeswoman Shakila Ahmed said: “We are delighted to reopen all of our hotels across the UK today and we are getting geared up for a busy summer season.”

Tourist leaders across the South West are gearing up for a bumper season this year, although there have been warnings that too many visitors could be counterproductive for the image of the region, giving first-time visitors a less than ideal experience because of crowds.