UK holidays 'improved by government investment'

The summer of 2009 saw a huge rise in the popularity of UK holidays, seeing many cash-strapped Brits stay on these shores rather than head abroad.

This was great for the local tourism businesses around the UK, and now experts are urging the Government to capitalise on this growth in popularity by investing in holiday destinations to keep punters coming back in 2010.

"The choice of UK holidays available to consumers can be improved by government investment", it has been said.

Spending money on improving coastal towns can help alter "perceptions" and make them more widely known among the general public, according to Hoseasons.

"The popularity of UK holidays has risen since this summer as most people are realising they can have a cheap, fun and different holiday at home".

A total of £15 million is given to seaside resorts each year, under the Sea Change programme.

Held between 2008 and 2011, the scheme is aimed at promoting attractions and sprucing up resorts across the country by adding activity centres and a greater wealth of entertainment.

"People often think of seaside entertainment as arcades and fun-fairs, but with this government initiative many seaside towns are looking to stage more performances and enhance facilities around the town for all generations".

Marketing director at Hoseasons, Tim Fullham, backed the initiative.

"The fact that there has been investment and it has resulted in publicity has to be good," he said. "Our advice to customers would be to book up quickly."
 

"Looking for online deals for next year could mean you can secure a bargain very early, so it's certainly worthwhile looking at your options as soon as possible".

Research conducted in 2009 found the English Riviera in the south-west is a popular destination for UK holidaymakers, offering white sand beaches and mild weather for those holidaymakers looking to relax.

Other places which could be good for topping up tans close to home include Blackpool, Llandudno and Brighton.

Those who do like to be beside the seaside could have a holiday Q&A session with the tourist boards of these destinations to help them to decide which place to choose.