VisitEngland‘s latest Trip Tracker survey reveals that planned overnight trips this Christmas and New year are likely to have generated some £1.9billion spend for the UK economy, around £1.6billion of which will be spent in England. A total of 10.1 million Brits (20% of the GB Adult population) planned to make the most of the festive season by taking an overnight trip in the UK, with 8.6 million people (17% of the GB adult population) planning to take that trip in England.
Perhaps not surprisingly many people spent time with friends and family, with a total of 33.7 million Brits (67% of the GB adult population) planning a trip either for the day or as part of an overnight trip to visit friends and relatives over the Christmas and New Year period.
Survey results also reveal this time away will not just be spent in front of the television, but getting out and about enjoying an action-packed festive season with 18.1 million adults planning to do some post-Christmas sales shopping, 12.1 million planning to visit a Christmas market and 7.5 million people saying they will be taking part in other Christmas activities such as ice skating, enjoying a pantomime or visiting Santa.
VisitEngland Chief Executive James Berresford said: “There is so much on offer in England, especially at this festive time of year so it is wonderful to see that so many people will be enjoying the season by taking a trip and exploring our fantastic destinations. The options are endless. You could head to Gloucestershire for an enchanted Christmas walk in Westonbirt Arboretum’s Grade 1 listed forest; experience the festive bustle of Birmingham’s Christmas market; witness the Winter Garden come to life at Anglesey Abbey in Cambridgeshire; enjoy a family day out at Winter Wonderland in London – or simply don your walking shoes and take in the scenery on foot wherever you are in the country.”
Minister for Tourism Helen Grant said: “The Christmas holidays provide a great economic boost for domestic tourism with many people travelling across the country to see family and friends or visiting some of the wonderful attractions England has to offer.”
© VisitEngland
