UK holidays set to soar in popularity by 2027

Holidays in the UK are set to soar in popularity despite this summer’s poor weather.

Direct Line travel insurance research in conjunction with the Future Foundation, has forecast that, Britons will take 21 million more breaks every year in their own country in 20 years’ time.

The report projects that Britons will take some 129 million holidays in the UK in 20 years’ time, up from 108 million today with holidaymakers expected to take an average of three holidays a year in their own country.

The increased number of UK trips will mean a £15 billion boost to the UK tourist industry. Expenditure will almost double to £31 billion by 2027 from a total of £16 billion today. The South West is set to be the main beneficiary with an extra £3.6 billion forecast to be spent.

There are several factors that will drive the increase in domestic holidays, including a new-found confidence in the British weather, with 29 per cent of holidaymakers citing the expectation of better weather as a decisive reason.

Another consequence of this faith in the great British summer is that the face of the UK holiday will change, with outdoor pursuits like camping, hiking, climbing and mountain biking becoming more popular. Watersports, such as surfing, sailing and swimming, are also set to receive a significant boost.

The Direct Line travel report also identifies that another factor driving the return of the UK holiday is a resurgence in national pride with two thirds of UK holidaymakers (65 per cent) saying they enjoy the opportunity to see their own country. More than one in two domestic holidaymakers (53 per cent) also cited enjoying the chance to learn about the UK.

The research also found that 67 per cent of holidaymakers who have taken a UK break in the last 12 months – some 20 million people – do so without taking out travel insurance, and the increase in UK holidays taken by 2027 is set to lead to a surge in Britons unwittingly putting themselves at risk as they travel without insurance.

Chris Price, Business Manager at Direct Line Travel Insurance comments: “It’s pleasing to see that the UK holiday is set for a major resurgence. This is a beautiful country with dramatic coasts, idyllic countryside and vibrant cities. And we should remember that the UK has more World Heritage sites than the USA.

“But no matter how familiar the surroundings, it is important to remember to take out travel insurance to protect yourself should things go wrong. Travel insurance is just as vital to have on a UK holiday to cover unforeseen circumstances such as cancellation of a trip or loss of personal possessions.”