Devon and Cornwall are in line for a £3billion staycation bonanza as new research estimates 23million Brits will holiday in the 海角视频 in 2021.
Cornwall has come top of a list, with Devon third and Dorset eighth, for counties that are expected to reap the most cash from holidaymakers this year, as Covid travel restrictions limit foreign holidays.
The study, by , says Cornwall will enjoy a £1.693billion staycation windfall, with Devon in line for £1.534billion. They sandwich the Lake District in second place, with £1.635billion expected to pour in, while Dorset is predicted to earn £1.116billion from the holiday trade.
Barclays said that if 23million Brits holiday in the 海角视频 this summer it will add almost £31billion to 海角视频 GDP. Billion-pound windfalls will be enjoyed by the 10 most popular holiday destinations – including Yorkshire, London, North Wales, Scottish Highlands, South Wales and Cotswolds - the bank said, with hotels, B&Bs and tourism economies set to benefit as the accommodation and indoor hospitality sector reopens on May 17.
Steve Double, MP for St Austell and Newquay and chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Hospitality and Tourism, said: “When it comes to location for a Great British staycation, Cornwall has always been top of the list for 海角视频 holidaymakers and this summer will be another busy one for hotels, B&Bs, pubs and restaurants in Cornwall and many other parts of the 海角视频.”
The pandemic has encouraged people to support the nation’s economy, Barclays said, and half of British holidaymakers (48%) are planning trips that will allow them to explore areas in the 海角视频 with lots of small independent businesses.
Restaurants are also central to people’s holiday hopes, with access to a top dining spot considered to be “really important” by more than half of Brits (54%) when on holiday.
The impact of the pandemic is also shown in people’s holiday preferences, the report said. After so much of the past year being spent in lockdown and apart from loved ones, being together is set to be a common theme of this year’s holiday season, with three in five Brits (58%) expecting a resurgence in family holidays.
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More than half of 18–34-year-olds (55%) are looking for a luxury break as an antidote to the stress of lockdown life, compared to just one quarter of those over 55 (26%).
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That said, 45% of 18–34-year-olds are looking to try sea kayaking or surfing this summer, suggesting appetite for activities remains high after weeks and months spent indoors.
The news comes as Barclays encourages people to get to “Know Your Nation” and explore the British Isles, with the bank finding that the average 海角视频 resident has visited more places abroad than domestically.
Mr Double said: “I know local businesses are eagerly preparing to reopen again and looking forward to making the most of the peak season to bounce back from the pandemic. Many hospitality and tourism businesses are grateful to Barclays for stepping in to provide much-needed support during this unprecedented time for the sector.
“Know Your Nation will help staycationers discover the many delights that the British Isles have the offer and further enable the recovery of hospitality and tourism.”
And with pets considered very much a part of the family, 5.8million dog owners and 1.4million cat owners are planning to take their furry friends on holiday with them.
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Shaun Hawkey, owner of The Olde House, a site of 30 farm cottages in Wadebridge, Cornwall, said: “Last year was challenging, but 2021 is shaping up to be much better. Bookings in the summer months are up, and many guests continue to bring their dogs with them - a trend that has been steadily increasing over the past five years. Cornwall's beaches and coastal paths are perfect for dog walks, and being on a working farm we are always happy to welcome more animals on site.
“The Covid funding support we received last year has enabled us to adjust our operations and facilities, and we were delighted to welcome guests back to The Olde House in April.
“Cornwall has beautiful, sandy beaches, and I’d recommend Polzeath, Daymer Bay and Rock as must-visits for those coming this summer. There are also great restaurants, particularly for fish, in Port Isaac and Padstow - just make sure you book in advance.”
Hannah Bernard, head of business banking at Barclays, said: “We’ve been supporting thousands of hospitality and tourism businesses throughout the pandemic, signposting them to grants, helping them with marketing their services even when the shutters have been down, and providing millions of pounds worth of funds through the Government lending schemes.
“We’ve seen many small businesses adapting their premises to get ready to meet the needs of holidaymakers this summer. The investments that they have made will hopefully be rewarded as millions of Brits support the nation’s hotels, restaurants and shops, providing local economies with a welcome boost.”