A record number of Brits plan an overnight trip in the UK during the bank holiday weekend, bringing a £2.1 billion boost to the economy.
The figures from VisitEngland’s August Bank Holiday Trip-Tracker survey are the highest since the survey began in its current form in 2012.
They show a significant increase on 2018, when 7.3 million Brits planned to take an overnight holiday trip. In 2017 the figure was 6.9 million, and in 2016 it was 5.1 million.
VisitEngland’s director Patricia Yates added: “We are hearing from many destinations and tourism businesses that they are experiencing a strong summer, with late bookings also on the rise this year.
“The certainty of budgeting for a holiday at home, the ease and convenience and the quality on offer are all contributing to people choosing to take more domestic trips, spreading the benefits of tourism across the UK.”
Tourism minister Rebecca Pow said: “It’s wonderful to see that a record number of Brits are planning a staycation this August bank holiday.
“The UK is the best place to holiday in the world – whether it be our historic castles, stunning landscapes or world-class museums and galleries there is truly something for everyone.
“Tourism makes a massive contribution to the UK economy.”
The survey showed that a further 7.9 million people are still undecided about whether to take an overnight trip during the holiday weekend.
Of those undecided, 42% said they are waiting to see what the weather is like.
From January to April this year Brits took a record 15.4 million domestic holidays in Britain, up 9% year-on-year.
Short breaks of one to three holiday nights have been one of the major drivers of growth.
Tourism is worth £127 billion to the UK economy.
Pictured: Blackpool.