Staycation '˜is here to stay'

Web booking site LateRooms has said things are looking promising for the season ahead across the country.

It said its statistics show that over the past five years, the number of holiday trips being taken at UK seaside resorts continues to be on the increase, revealing Brits are enjoying a lasting romance with the ‘staycation’ as opposed to the summer fling initially feared by tourism chiefs.

Andrea Tarpey from LateRooms.com said: “There’s nowhere quite like the British seaside, and judging by the increase in bookings to some of our favourite beach spots this bank holiday, it seems we’re embracing a bit of a bucket and spade renaissance.

“Many of these destinations are seeing significant investment – from restoring former treasures to improving facilities and establishing new attractions – which is making them even more attractive for modern day breaks.

“Using these results as a barometer for the summer, we expect to see a continued rise in bookings across British seaside resorts this year and for the foreseeable future.”

In Blackpool the website said bookings for this May bank holiday were up 32 per cent compared to five years ago and that much of the increase was due to more family visits.

Claire Smith, from Blackpool’s hoteliers’ group Stay Blackpool, said the survey was good news and their results reflected the experience of many hotel and B&B owners in the town.

She said: “This is really good news. Companies such as LateRooms keep a close watch on their bookings and so their statistics tend to be very accurate. I think we have had a good start this year Easter was generally up on last year, the first two weeks were good.

“I think the Resort Pass has been a particular success. The beauty of that is that it allows families to budget and that is a big attraction when planning ahead for your holidays. It is a welcome boost for the coming season.”