TOURISM

Staycations are here to stay

Attitudes towards holidays at home have changed

JAMES BERRESFORD is chief executive of VisitEngland

V

news & jobs at www.leisureopportunities.co.uk

BAA drops new runway proposals

Airport operator withdraws its plans for London Heathrow and Stansted

By Martin Nash

Citing changes in the government's approach to the development of airports, operator BAA is to drop plans to build new runways at Stansted and London Heathrow. The company will proceed with the

purchase of eligible properties in the area currently going through the process. In Sipson, west London, BAA is to stop

isitEngland's findings from the UK Tourism Survey – the first significant research into the

staycation phenomenon – has found that overnight holiday trips to England were up 18 per cent last year with holiday makers spending £1bn more. Of course, circumstances including

the credit crunch and the weak pound encouraged more Brits to take a break at home. But this research shows there is a more permanent, positive shift in attitudes towards holidaying at home. Our research discovered that the

uplift in tourism has helped awaken a latent pride in England as a destination. As a result almost half the population expects to take more domestic breaks than they did in the past. The research identified two clear

groups whose changed behaviour in 2009 generated the increase. One group

– 'Switchers' – accounted for 13 per cent of respondents and included a high proportion of families who 'switched' a foreign holiday for one at home due to financial constraints. The second group

– 'Extras' – accounted for 15 per cent and tended to be younger and single. This group was motivated by a desire to explore the UK and go somewhere new. It's clear that England offers a high

quality experience. However, we must continue to deliver. This is a fantastic opportunity to capitalise on last year's success and continue to inspire future visits. We must not sit on our laurels – let's keep these visitors coming and provide them with future treasured memories of holidaying at home.

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buying properties which would have been affected by its plans to build a third runway at Heathrow – work on the application for which has now ceased. However, consider- ation will be given to those that have been issued with a bond under its long term market support scheme. BAA chief executive officer Colin

Matthews, said: "It is no longer appropriate for us to purchase properties. Equally important is our intention to stand behind our commitment made to provide time for

Stansted runway plans have been shelved

those local residents who wish to sell their properties to us, to do so. "Heathrow plays an important role for the

UK. We continue to believe that new capacity would strengthen the UK's trading links with the global markets on which our economy and our competitiveness depend."

Bristol Airport expansion scheme approved

By Pete Hayman

Plans for the multi-million pound expan- sion of Bristol International Airport (BIA) have been approved by planning officials at North Somerset Council. The scheme has been approved subject

to 70 conditions and the signing of a legal agreement, which will secure a number of financial contributions from the airport. BIA's plans will now have to be referred

The scheme could still face a public inquiry

to the government for final approval due to the impact on Green Belt land, although a public inquiry could still be ordered.

Bournemouth Borough Council (BBC) has launched its own bespoke weather service to provide visitors to the Dorset resort with "accurate, localised" forecasts. According to the council, an incorrect

Met Office forecast for last year's Whitsun Bank Holiday caused around 25,000 potential visitors to stay at home, despite sunny weather conditions.

Read Leisure Opportunities online www.leisureopportunities.com/digital

Bournemouth launches bespoke weather service

BBC estimates the decision cost local

hoteliers and tourism operators more than £1m in lost revenue. Bournemouth Tourism head Mark

Smith, said: "Accurate weather informa- tion increases business and this new forecast will be worth more than £2m per year in extra trade for Bournemouth through increasing visitors."

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