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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 .