STAYCATION destinations are set for a bumper summer as Brits are set to be banned from holidays abroad.
Bookings for popular destinations across the UK are already up, with many in the hospitality sector praying for a bumper season to end their covid woes.
Home Secretary Priti Patel is set to unveil a new quarantine policy which will see arrivals into the UK forced to stay in hotels for ten days.
And travellers – including returning Brits – will have to pay for the pleasure, would could lump them with a bill of over £1500.
While it all but kills off trips abroad, the public are looking to book getaways closer to home.
Red Paxton, Director of Habitat Escapes holiday rentals says there has been a surge in bookings for the Cotswolds and Dorset.
He said: “As speculation around the introduction of hotel quarantine began, this past week we have seen an increase of 56% in holiday bookings for 2021, compared with the same period in January 2020.
“There has been an even larger rush since reports of hotel quarantine emerged.
“As hope for an international break begins to dwindle, families are now turning to UK staycations for their summer holidays with the vast majority of these bookings taking place in July and August.
“Keen to hold on to a family break, people are opening their minds to what the beauty of a UK staycation can offer once restrictions are eased.”
VisitBritain boss Patricia Yates said the nation was ready to accept home-based tourists as soon as restrictions were lifted.
She said this summer’s influx of staycationers would be “worth billions” to the economy.
Ms Yates said: “As the global response to the Covid-19 pandemic continues the public’s health and safety remains the UK Government’s priority.
“VisitBritain had already forecast that we would not see international visitors in any great numbers until spring this year at the earliest, when we could begin to see some signs of a slow recovery, if national restrictions eased.
“We had also forecast an 80 per cent decline in inbound tourism spending in 2020 alone, with a £24.7 billion loss to the economy.
“Once restrictions have eased we will be ready to launch campaigns in our major inbound markets, promoting all the wonderful experiences to be had in Britain and competing for international visitors who are worth billions to our economy.
“Our We’re Good To Go industry standard is already well established across the UK with businesses ready to safely welcome international visitors back when restrictions can be lifted.”
