“Staycation†trend set to continue this summer
Wight Locations managing director Mark Curtis said: “Last year people almost stumbled into a UK holiday, mainly fuelled by two things; the recession and a rocketing euro.
“In 2009 holidaymakers were looking for value for money from their UK break; that is why the self-catering and camping sectors performed so well. People were still determined to get away but were being more careful with their money.
“I’m encouraged we are now seeing this momentum continue; if things keep going the way they are bookings in 2010 will be another record.”
Curtis, who has grown the business from covering 86 properties when he took over in 2005 to 130 this year, added: “If as an industry we can ensure people have another great experience then there is every chance we will have convinced them to look on the UK as their number one holiday choice – which would be a major achievement.”
But he added: “There are of course challenges; people are leaving booking until the last minute so we need to be ready to turn things around very quickly.
“Another is that the pound has grown in strength against the euro and it may well continue to do so once the uncertainty of the election is over and the new government takes steps to reduce public debt.
“But overall I am convinced the UK tourism industry is in for another good year.”
*TravelMole’s Travel Industry Question Time debate on the staycation is held on Thursday with full coverage appearing the following day.
by Phil Davies
Phil Davies
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
Turkish tourism stalls due to soaring prices for accommodation and food
CCS Insight: eSIMs ready to take the travel world by storm
Germany new European Entry/Exit System limited to a single airport on October 12, 2025
Airlines suspend Madagascar services following unrest and army revolt
Qatar Airways offers flexible payment options for European travellers