reports the return of the staycation

Door2Tour.com has revealed that the ‘staycation’ could be making a comeback. The latest figures from the tour operator have shown that sales of UK breaks have increased by approximately 9% compared to the same period last year. This has been put down to the UK being under the spotlight during 2012. There are a variety of factors causing this resurgence in UK breaks with the main one being the UK playing host to some top events during 2012 such as the Queens Diamond Jubilee, The Olympics, the 100th anniversary of the maiden voyage of RMS Titanic and the 200th anniversary of Charles Dickens birth. Other popular events drawing in the crowds are the Edinburgh Military Tattoo, Wimbledon Tennis Championships, the Chelsea Flower Show and Royal Ascot Ladies Day. It’s not just events that are proving to be a hit for people choosing to take their break in the UK in 2012, VisitEngland have recently launched a campaign showcasing the advantages of taking a ‘staycation’ instead of heading abroad. The campaign draws on the benefits of avoiding the hassle of passport control, lengthy queues to check-in at airports, poor exchange rates and the risk that travellers’ suitcases may not arrive at their destination - which happened to many when London Gatwick suffered a power failure earlier this month and the baggage conveyors did not work. The 2012 campaign has got thousands of fantastic offers to make holidaying at home more affordable than ever this year. With all the focus pointing towards London during 2012, short breaks to the UK’s capital city remain popular with holidaymakers. Latest figures from Door2Tour.com have shown a 63% rise in sales for London city breaks and this does not include sales of London theatre breaks that have also risen in popularity. Many believe that the ‘Royal Effect’ has also had a positive impact on the popularity of UK breaks and coach holidays in England with interest in the Royal Family reaching new heights after The Royal Wedding. Sales for Door2Tour coach holidays to Buckingham Palace, its gardens and of course Windsor Castle have risen steadily in popularity. Traditional seaside favourites are also making a comeback with resorts such as Blackpool, Bognor Regis, Scarborough and Great Yarmouth all seeing a rise in hotel bookings. Rachel Jones, Online PR and Marketing Co-ordinator for Door2Tour.com commented: “Our figures have shown that although the credit crunch is still affecting many of our customers, it has not dampened their spirits where holidays are concerned. It just means that for 2012, most will be shopping around for the best deal for their money. Europe is still a temptation for holidaymakers simply because of its guarantee of sun, sea and sand. In 2011, many people who chose to have a ‘staycation’ were probably let down because of the typical British weather and are more determined than ever to seek out that summer sunshine in 2012. Let’s hope that with all the focus on the UK and the possibility of a beautiful summer, people will be persuaded that holidaying at home is the far better option this year.”