A total of 4.8 million Britons are planning an overnight holiday trip in the UK over the August bank holiday weekend, with 4.5 million planning a holiday in England.
This is likely to generate some £1.2 billion for the UK economy, £1.1 billion of which will be spent in England.
More than half of Britons plan to take a domestic holiday or short break over the long weekend, figures released today by VisitEngland reveal.
A total of 7.6 million – or 15% – ‘definitely’ plan to take an overnight trip, while 16% are undecided.
A total of 9% will ‘definitely’ take a holiday or short break in England, rising to 14% when those considering a trip are included, while 15% plan a day trip during the holiday weekend.
A further 8.2 million Brits are still undecided about whether to take an overnight trip over the bank holiday to any destination.
Fewer Brits are undecided due to financial reasons this year – 26% compared to 29% in 2014 – 21% are either not sure where they want to go or waiting to see if there are any last minute deals or special offers.
A quarter prefer to decide at the last minute and some are ‘waiting to see what the weather is like’.
The coast is voted the most popular destination among the 7.6 million intending taking a domestic day trip (45%), followed by a trip to the countryside or village (37%). Others plan to visit a large town or city (28%) or attraction such as a theme park or stately home (18%).
So far this year, 25 million Britons have taken a holiday or short break in England, according to the tourist agency.
VisitEngland chief executive, James Berresford, said: “With 4.5 million Brits planning a holiday trip in England this bank holiday weekend, it signifies a real statement of confidence in the breadth of product on offer across the country.”
Tourism minister, Tracey Crouch, added: “The bank holiday is a brilliant opportunity for people to go out and explore England’s world class attractions.
“We have a vibrant visitor economy that saw a record start to the year.
“I’m looking forward to working with the industry to build on this success with the government’s new five point plan for tourism, which aims to further increase visitor numbers, create great careers and support local economies.”