UK STAYCATIONS

THERE’S NO PLACE LIKE HOME

Travel industry disruptions result in increase in domestic holiday bookings

A turbulent year in the travel industry – including the recently averted BAA strikes and the collapse of various travel and tourism companies – has meant that Brits are holidaying at home to avoid disruption and disappointment. There has been a 22% increase in domestic bookings for holidays this summer compared to the same time period last year, reports leading travel booking website, Expedia.co.uk. 

Recent fears of disruption around the August Bank Holiday show that this increase is particularly pronounced with domestic bookings for the Bank Holiday weekend increasing by more than 30% vs. the 2009 Bank holiday.

 London and the South West top the list of the most popular UK destinations this summer, closely followed by Edinburgh as comedy fans cross the border to check out the latest talent at the Edinburgh festival.

Top UK city destinations 

1. London
2. Edinburgh
3. Manchester
4. Cardiff
5. Glasgow
6. Liverpool
7. Brighton
8. Bristol
9. Bournemouth
10. York

 “Summer is the busiest time of the year for the travel industry and the recent disruptions, bankruptcies and strike threats have meant that holidaymakers are looking closer to home for their breaks, which is certainly a positive sign for the UK tourism” commented Andrew Warner of Expedia.co.uk.

" VisitEngland's research reveals that almost half the population expect to take more domestic breaks than they did in the past, clearly showing that the trend towards holidaying at home is no flash in the pan.  With so much to see and do, literally on our doorsteps, it's no wonder Brits are choosing to spend more of their free time enjoying England. The forthcoming August Bank Holiday weekend is a great opportunity to enjoy some of the country's best events and experiences," says James Berresford, Chief Executive of VisitEngland.

“Expedia has been looking at how we can help people to explore all the UK has to offer and in response to this growing trend, we recently launched a new service in partnership with TripAdvisor to help Brits to discover the wealth of attractions in the UK, Driving Getaways.”

Added Warner.

Through the service users can discover a variety of UK destinations according to the distance they are willing to travel, read traveller reviews on these destinations and find hotels nearby http://www.expedia.co.uk/driving-holidays.aspx

For those preferring to stay closer to home Expedia.co.uk, has a wide variety of UK destinations available. Whether it’s the vibrant city of Edinburgh with its festivals and Cadies and Witchery tours or the beaches and shopping experience in the Lanes at Brighton, there is a rich variety of destinations in the UK to enjoy a mini-break and perhaps some late summer sunshine.

UK holiday deals

London for £377 per person – includes 200 Nectar Points, a 40% hotel saving and a 4.2/5 customer rating

Three nights room only at the five-star The Metropolitan is from £377 per person, based on two sharing a double room, checking in on 27^thAugust 2010. Located on Park Lane overlooking Hyde Park, this hotel is a short walk from Bond Street shops and Buckingham Palace. For reservations, visit www.expedia.co.uk or call 0871 226 0808.

Edinburgh for £325 per person – includes 2000 Nectar Points and a 4.4/5 customer rating

Two nights room only at the four-star Hot-el-Apartments Canon Court is from £325 per person, based on two sharing a one bedroom apartment. This includes return flights with British Airways from London Gatwick to Edinburgh, departing 27^thAugust 2010.  Located in Edinburgh’s New Town, these apartments are a short walk from the Royal Botanic Gardens, Edinburgh Playhouse Theatre and Princes Street. For reservations, visit www.expedia.co.ukor call 0871 226 0808.

Manchester for £179 per person – includes 200 Nectar Points, a 4.5/5 customer rating and is a 2010 Insiders’ Select Winner

Two nights room only at the five-star Blue Rainbow ApartHotel – Manchester Central is from £179 per person, based on two sharing a saver room, checking in on 27^thAugust 2010. Located opposite Manchester Central exhibition Hall, this hotel is a short walk from Beetham Tower, Castlefield Roman Fort and Manchester Cathedral. For reservations, visit www.expedia.co.uk or call 0871 226 0808.

Bristol for £180 per person – includes 200 Nectar Points and a 4.5/5 customer rating

Seven nights room only at the three-star Future Inn Bristol is from £180 per person, based on two sharing a double room, checking in on 8^thSeptember 2010. Located inthe city centre, this hotel is a short walk from Cabot Circus and the Bristol Hippodrome. For reservations, visit www.expedia.co.uk or call 0871 226 0808.

York for £97 per person – includes 200 Nectar Points and a 4/5 customer rating

Two nights bed and breakfast at the three-star Best Western York Pavilion Hotel is from £93 per person, based on two sharing a double room, checking in on 3^rdSeptember 2010. Located in near University of York, this hotel is a short walk from York Castle Museum and York Dungeon. For reservations, visit www.expedia.co.uk or call 0871 226 0808.

 -ENDS-

For further press information, please contact the Expedia press office team:

Telephone: 0870 990 5427

Email: expediapressoffice@golinharris.com