Millions of Brits 'planning UK bank holiday breaks'

Flights to London, Edinburgh and other big British cities look set to prove popular over the August bank holiday weekend, with some 11.9 million people reportedly planning breaks in the UK.

According to a survey carried out by VisitEngland, 29 per cent of the population will be going away for the long weekend, which is consistent with last year but marks an increase from 25 per cent in 2007.

Of the proportion planning to take a trip, only one in five intend to go overseas, with the rest heading to a domestic destination.

VisitEngland chief executive James Berresford said: "All of our research so far this year and anecdotal evidence from the industry confirm that Britons are indeed rediscovering the joys of holidaying at home in 2009.

"We are confident that once people are reminded of what England has to offer - be it a culture-vulture break to one of our great cities, a visit to a seaside resort or a relaxing rural escape - they will realise England has got everything that overseas breaks can offer and more."

VisitEngland recently commented on the country's successful bid to host the 2015 Rugby World Cup, saying it will provide a "great boost" for the tourism industry.

The 2011 tournament will be held in New Zealand.

Posted by Paul, 26 August 2009 16:08

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