A total of 10.1 million people plan to take an overnight trip in the UK over the festive season, according to latest data.
A total of 8.6 million, or 17% of the UK adult population, plan to take their trip in England.
Planned overnight trips this Christmas and new year are likely to generate some £1.9 billion spend for the UK economy, around £1.6 billion of which will be spent in England, according to VisitEngland’s latest Trip Tracker survey.
A total of 33.7 million Britons plan a trip either for the day or as part of an overnight visit to friends and relatives. Just 4% – 2 million plan to travel abroad.
More than 18 million adults plan to do post-Christmas sales shopping, 12.1 million will visit a Christmas market and 7.5 million will take part in other Christmas activities such as ice skating, enjoying a pantomime or visiting Santa.
VisitEngland chief executive James Berresford said: “There is so much on offer in England, especially at this festive time of year so it is wonderful to see that so many people will be enjoying the season by taking a trip and exploring our fantastic destinations.”
Tourism minister Helen Grant said: “The Christmas holidays provide a great economic boost for domestic tourism with many people travelling across the country to see family and friends or visiting some of the wonderful attractions England has to offer.”