What makes the perfect Christmas break?

As the media report that more Brits are holidaying at home to beat the credit crunch and poor exchange rates, our major cities are reaping the benefits. Combined with the rise in popularity of the traditional German Christmas Market it’s not surprising that we are shunning European city breaks in order to do our Christmas shopping here in the UK.

According to a national survey by visitbirmingham.com almost half of UK adults (46%) say that the most important thing when considering where to go on a Christmas weekend break is whether the city has a Christmas market.

Playing host to the largest German market outside of Germany and Austria, Birmingham is one British city well placed to cater for this trend.

Slap bang in the heart of the country, well served by the rail network (almost half of the city’s visitors arrive by train) and other excellent transport links, Birmingham’s tourism bosses are expecting well over 2 million visitors during this festive period.

Neil Rami, Chief Executive of Marketing Birmingham said: “Birmingham does Christmas extremely well, and it’s certainly a very busy time in this city. From the lights to the reindeer parade, carol concerts in the square and Christmas markets there is so much to attract visitors. We work very hard all year round to promote Birmingham but it’s at this time of year we can all see the benefit.”

And according to the same survey almost half of UK adults (47%) believe shopping is an essential activity on any weekend break, and with more than 1000 shops in the city centre, ranking as the best shopping destination in the UK outside London in the CACI retail footprint, Birmingham is really leading the way in the Christmas retail break sector.

Alan Chatham, Chair of Retail Birmingham, said: “Birmingham really stands out from the crowd for the vast choice on offer here for shopping. There are the major shopping centres including Bullring and The Mailbox right in the heart of the city centre which bring big names such as Selfridges and Harvey Nichols, standing shoulder to shoulder with high street giants and one off independents in quirky Victorian shopping arcades, all just a short stroll apart. When you package all of that together with the rest of the fantastic lifestyle offer here, Birmingham is a very attractive option for a city break this Christmas.”

Hotel bookings are also looking set to be very healthy over the festive period. Michael Mason, general manager of Crown Plaza Birmingham City Centre, added: “Big events such as the Christmas market always bring a welcome increase in trade. Christmas breaks are very popular as they not only give people a chance to get away and buy some last minute gifts, but also to spend some time together in the lead up to Christmas. Bookings are looking very healthy for the next few weeks and we are planning to welcome even more visitors to city during 2009.”

Top things people look for in a Christmas weekend break

1. Christmas Markets 45.8%
2. Shopping 19.9%
3. Christmas Show or Pantomime 9.5%
4. Children’s Attractions (eg. Grotto, fair rides, reindeer) 8.7%
5. Famous Lights 7.8%
6. Other (this included good food, peace and quiet, snow and football fixtures!) 6.4%
7. Ice Rink 2%

For more information, log on to Visitbirmingahm.com.