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| Bed & Breakfast News | Sept-Oct 2016
Seaside town sales‘ rise on back of the staycation boom’
With the post-Brexit‘ staycation boom’ estimated to be worth an extra £ 1.4 billion to the UK economy, a new survey conducted by Epos Now has found that the leading British seaside resorts are reaping the rewards of the Great British public’ s decision to holiday at home in 2016.
The survey of 320 hospitality businesses across the UK, identified the major seaside resorts that have seen the biggest hike in sales from July 17 – August 17, this year, in comparison to the same period in 2015.
Of the towns polled, Brighton experienced the largest surge in sales, recording a 12.8 % increase on last year’ s figures. Southend also received a notable boost in sales posting a 9.1 % increase on figures from 2015, while bars, pubs and cafés in Newquay enjoyed 7 % growth.
North Yorkshire resort, Scarborough has also benefited from people’ s decision to stay at home with a 7 % rise, while sales in Torquay showed a 6.5 % increase.
Revenue Rises in Leading Seaside Towns were:
1. Brighton- 12.8 % 2. Southend – 9.1 % 3. Newquay- 8.9 % 4. Scarborough – 7 % 5. Torquay – 6.5 % 6. Blackpool – 4.2 % 7. Skegness – 4.1 % 8. Bournemouth – 3.1 % 9. Llandudno – 2.3 % 10. Great Yarmouth 1.2 %
Jacyn Heavens, CEO of Epos Now said:“ It’ s unsurprising to see sales increase in British holiday resorts this year considering the events in Europe.”
Tourism Minister Tracey Crouch said:“ The number of people enjoying holidays in England is at a record high. With our world-leading museums and galleries, beautiful countryside and stunning coastline, it should come as no surprise that more people are planning staycations this summer.
“ Tourism contributes an estimated £ 60 billion to our economy every year, so a strong summer season is not only great news for the sector but the whole country.”
It had been a record-breaking first four months of the year( January to April) for domestic holiday trips in England. From January to April Brits took 11 million holiday trips, 8 % more compared to the same period last year, and spent £ 2.8 billon, 22 % up on last year and taking both measures to record levels for this period.
These figures came on the back of a strong 2015 with domestic holiday trips and spending both up 7 % on the previous year to 43.7 million holiday trips and £ 10.7 billion respectively.