The passport crisis is providing an unexpected boost to the domestic tourism industry as more people are looking at staycation style alternatives, according to outdoor accommodation specialist Pitchup.com.
Founder Dan Yates says the 5,000 UK outdoor sites listed on Pitchup.com have seen a surge in demand as families look to stay closer to home rather than risk cancellation and disappointment. This is in the wake of stats produced by the Office of National Statistics, in its International Passenger Survey, concluding that foreign holiday trips in 2013 were down 17% from their 2008 peak. Holiday trips are down a further 3% this year, compared to 2013.
“There is already such a huge backlog of passport applications that many realising their holiday overseas might be at risk are looking at the UK – which is great news for the economy and rural businesses,” says Yates.
“There is so much going on this summer – from family festivals to great sporting events like the Commonwealth Games and Tour de France. People are looking to explore the UK and enjoy all it has to offer.”
Yates also said campsites on Pitchup.com that offer free cancellation are seeing a boost in bookings, suggesting some holidaymakers might be hedging their bets and taking out their own form of holiday insurance should the passports fail to arrive in time.
“Many of our accommodation providers don’t charge cancellation fees and this is great news for the consumer,” said Yates.
“The accommodation available around the UK is a world away from the sites I visited as a kid, with amazing facilities and great glamping getaways.
“I think 2014 could be a landmark year for the industry as more people rediscover the pleasures of the Great British countryside.”
5 Reason To Stay In The UK In 2014
- Great Events – From Glastonbury to Glasgow, this summer the UK will be home to world-class music, sporting and cultural events.
- No Passport Required – Forget cancelled holidays and crying kids, just Pitchup at any of 5,000 fabulous UK campsites, glampsites and holiday parks.
- The Weather – 2014 looks like being another great year for getting outdoors.
- Take The Pets – More than 65% of the sites listed on Pitchup.com allow dogs, so you save on expensive kennel costs and take the whole family along.
- No Limits – Want to take the kitchen sink? No problem. You won’t pay extra for your baggage or only have room for the basics when touring around Britain.
