UK holidaymakers made the most of the British Isles this year.
New research published by the Office for National Statistics has revealed that in the 12 months leading up to October 2009, the number of international visits made by UK residents fell by 14 per cent.
In addition, data released by VisitEngland showed that domestic tourism trips rose by 15 per cent in August 2009, compared to the same period in 2008.
Responding to the figures, tourism chiefs have declared 2009 the year of the staycation.
Jenny McGee, head of strategy and engagement for VisitEngland, welcomed the news.
She said: "Looking back over the summer period of June, July and August, figures released by VisitEngland from the UK Tourism Survey showed that trips taken within England rose by 22 per cent, amounting to 18.5 million trips taken, hinting at a renaissance for the great English summer holiday as well as heralding 2009 as the year of the 'staycation'.
Ms McGee added that VisitEngland has "high hopes" for domestic tourism in 2010.
Posted by Andrea, 24 December 2009 14:17
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