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Twice as many Britons to take a UK holiday in 2009

24 February 2009

It's the middle of winter, we're mired in recession, and the outlook is bleak. And yet there's never been a better time to own a holiday home for let! Forget the economic uncertainty and cast off the gloom, because 2009 is going to be an amazing year for the UK holiday let and rental market. This isn't idle speculation. Let's look at the evidence:

1. Twice as many Britons have stated their intent to holiday in the UK this year

That's according to the Confederation of Public Transport who are gearing themselves up for a busy year, bussing people to and from their Great British holidays. Their survey of 3,000 adults shows that 60% of those surveyed are unwilling to surrender their holiday – no matter how bad the economic situation. Nevertheless, cost is still a factor and a great motivator for holidaying on these shores.

2. The value of the pound has crashed against the Euro

Even if holidaymakers can afford an overseas holiday, they're not going to have much in the way of spending money. At the beginning of 2009, £20 would get you just 18 Euros - not much of an inducement to cash in your sterling for an already expensive foreign trip.

3. Overseas holiday companies are crashing left, right and centre

Now, more than ever, we're giving in to the lure of the British Isles. And with good reason. The worldwide economic malaise is forcing people to reconsider how they do things – the slump in the overseas holiday market is a case in point. British holidaymakers are reappraising what they want from their holidays – they're not just looking for better value holiday destinations, they're looking to re-connect with their country.

More good news

Recessions are genuinely good for the holiday market. They always have been. Traditionally, holiday providers (from B&Bs to holiday home owners) have prospered in tough times – Britons have always packed up their bags and gone on their holidays to get away from their troubles. As a nation, we're loath to let anything get in the way of our one or two weeks R&R. And a domestic holiday is the perfect remedy to the downturn – cheaper, less stressful, and perhaps even more enjoyable than a costly trip overseas.

Holiday home owners are predicting a steady stream of bookings all summer long. It doesn't matter where your holiday home is; every corner of the UK is up for grabs. This could just be the second golden age of the Great British holiday!

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