Weak pound boosts domestic market

Demand for UK domestic holidays is up due to the weak pound, according to Hoseasons.

As the pound continues to struggle against the euro, the self catering operator says its booking for UK breaks in 2009 are up 20%.

Hoseasons Holidays chief executive Richard Carrick said: “Over the last few months we have seen an increasing appetite for holidays in Britain, as a strong euro and a desire to manage household budgets has meant that more and more holidaymakers look to stay in the UK in 2009.

“We know that in times of economic uncertainly holidaymakers are more cautious, but they still want to take holidays, often at the expense of other luxuries.

“We are benefiting from people who know that by taking a self-catering holiday they can manage and control their holiday budgets more tightly.”

Carrick said money spent in the UK tourism industry is helping the wider British economy.

“We would urge the government to consider ways of helping UK tourism businesses to ensure that they can make the most of the weak pound and renewed interested in the UK as a holiday destination,” he added.

“This is a one off opportunity for UK tourism – lets grab it with both hands.”

By Bev Fearis