Staycation 2010 - A Bigger Phenomenon Than 2009?

Dec. 23, 2009 - PRLog -- Over half of us are likely to take fewer overseas holidays in 2010 replacing these with UK breaks instead.  The survey of 949* people undertaken by Blue Chip Vacations showed that 56 per cent of us would ditch the overseas holiday in 2010, while over two-thirds (69 per cent) will choose to holiday in the UK instead. Respondents said their decision was influenced by the combination of positive UK weather predictions for the next decade, continuing poor exchange rates, concerns over the environment and the impact of increasing Air Passenger Duty.  These findings are supported by strong domestic self-catering bookings that are already on the rise for 2010.  

The biggest individual concern raised by those polled was the continued poor performance of the pound against foreign currencies, with almost 62 per cent citing this as a chief reason that would dissuade them from holidaying abroad.  

Among the more surprising findings was that fact that although 47 per cent said the MET Office’s predictions of a spate of record breaking hot summers to come would influence them to holiday at home, 43 per cent said they’d holiday in the UK regardless.  Just under 10 per cent said they’d holiday abroad to guarantee good weather.

Asked if increasing Air Passenger Duty would affect holidaying habits abroad, 55 per cent said it would put them off breaks overseas.Perhaps the most surprising outcome of the research, which was undertaken at the height the Copenhagen Climate Change Conference, was the fact that environmental worries were of relatively little concern.  Just 34 per cent stated that concerns over the environment and global warming would influence them to holiday more in the UK, and only 5 per cent cited the Copenhagen Conference as a key factor in their decision to holiday more in the UK than overseas.

Commenting on the findings, Alan Taylor, Managing Director of Blue Chip Vacations said: “There has been a great deal of scepticism about the staycation phenomena in the UK, with many claiming it to be false.  VisitEngland has now publically confirmed that the number of holiday trips taken by Britons within England in the three peak summer months of 2009 was up by 22%.  During this same period our bookings were up were up 60 per cent and we’re already seeing demand up 66 per cent for 2010, which bodes well for the coming season.”  

He added: “Combined with the findings of this latest survey we are confident that the staycation trend will continue to boom, in part because of the impact of tighter financial conditions in the UK, but also because domestic visitors have had a taste of what the UK and the South West has to offer, they like it, and are keen to try it again.  We’re looking forward to positive season here in the South West; one where those who book early will get the pick of the bunch.”

About the survey
*The survey was undertaken between 04 and 14 December 2009.  In total 949 respondents answered the survey.

About Blue Chip Vacations
Set up in 2000, Blue Chip Vacations has grown from a fledgling business with one property to a leading force in high quality self-catering with over 600 properties across Devon, Somerset, Dorset and Cornwall, more than 500 of which are luxury 4 and 5 star rated.  

In 2009 Blue Chip Vacations saw bookings up 60% on last year enabling the business to contribute over £14.5million to the South West region’s economy.  Looking forward Blue Chip Vacations anticipates that the staycation phenomena of 2009 will be a lasting trend, aided in no small part by the MET Office’s announcement that at least half the years in the 2010s will be warmer than 1998 - the hottest year since records began 160 years ago.

Ranging from Devon cottages and Cornish cottages to luxury self-catering coastal houses, luxury apartments and barn conversions, Blue Chip Vacations aims to provide the perfect self-catering property for all its customers.  Each is chosen for its stunning location, amazing coastal or rural views or hi-spec interior, and each is reviewed to ensure they meet the high standard set not only by Blue Chip Vacations, but also by Quality in Tourism.

A silver award winner at the prestigious South West Tourism Excellence Awards (website of the year category), and silver award winner at Green Tourism Business Scheme (GTBS) Awards 2008, Blue Chip Vacations prides itself on its customer service, and its corporate and social responsibilities.  Blue Chip Vacations won Best Marketing Campaign at the 2009 South Devon Business Excellence Awards.

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Blue Chip Vacations has over 600 properties across the West Country including more than 500 luxury 4 and 5 star rated. Devon cottages, Cornish cottages, and luxury self-catering coastal houses and apartments form the core of the property portfolio.