A bit of early good news before the festive season for the UK travel industry as latest figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) report that from July to the end of September this year, the number of Brits taking business visits abroad has risen by 6% compared to the same period the year before, and the number of business visits to the UK has also increased by 6%.
The number of holiday visits to the UK has also risen by the magic 6%, but the number of Brits going on holiday abroad has fallen by 3%, which is good news for the inbound industry.
Meanwhile, visits by UK residents to Europe fell by 8% to 43 million, while those to North America fell by 9% to 3.4 million. Visits to other parts of the world fell by 2% to 8.9 million.
Roger Smith, head of the International Passenger Survey for the ONS, said: “It does appear that there are signs that the large falls we have seen in the recent past have begun to stabilise and show some signs of recovery.
“Business visits in both directions have picked up recently. October saw a small rise in holiday visits both to and from the UK compared with the same months a year earlier.”
#1 by Peak District Cottages on December 13, 2010 - 10:59 am
Quote
You highlight a very important point amidst the gloom and doom some people are more positive. The figures bear out that the positive is the best wat to be. Here is to a great christmas and a fully booked new year.
#2 by Farm Holiday Cottages on December 22, 2010 - 12:08 pm
Quote
What I noticed over the Summer was that a lot of people are staying at camp sites or caravan parks. I did it and had fun and was pretty much hassle free compared to having to go to the airport and the long time it takes to get where you’re going.
I think it’s important to recognise that people still need a break from work and home life, probably now more than ever.