Tourism minister: rise in staycations has led to economy boost

Our tourism industry is one of the world’s best, attracting visitors from across the globe, pouring billions into our economy and supporting millions of jobs.

While recent times haven’t been without challenges, attention is now turning from the domestic industry’s recovery to future growth, and it has shown real determination and resilience in 2023.

There were a thousand reasons to explore our fantastic country over the past year. With first-class heritage, scenery and accommodation, English towns and villages from the Lake District to the Isle of Wight demonstrated their enduring appeal. Our cultural offering was second to none - from blockbuster events like the King’s Coronation and Eurovision Song Contest, to an abundance of museums, theatres and other attractions.

If we continue to work together, I have no doubt we can achieve this, and cement Britain’s place as one of the top tourist destinations on the planet.

From April to June (2023) alone, Brits spent £8 billion on 29 million ‘staycations’, helping boost our economy on a national and local level and supporting the livelihoods of millions of people. And we want to make it even easier for visitors to enjoy everything England has to offer.

As part of our Tourism Recovery Plan, we are in the process of reforming tourism boards - known as Destination Management Organisations - across the country, including in areas off the beaten track, to help them attract more tourists and major events to the UK.

We are rolling out a scheme to accredit new Local Visitor Economy Partnerships, which will help local businesses work better together to market their area. They will be an invaluable resource for travellers, helping them plan trips and understand what’s on offer. A total of 26 have been accredited so far in areas including the North East, Yorkshire and Cumbria - and already the tourism landscape is working more cohesively to deliver results.

In 2023, the Government also published a consultation on the design of a registration scheme for short-term let properties in England. We will share our response to this in 2024, as part of our goal to provide the best tourist accommodation possible and support local economies, while protecting people and their right to access housing.

From April to June (2023) alone, Brits spent £8 billion on 29 million ‘staycations’, helping boost our economy on a national and local level and supporting the livelihoods of millions of people. 

There is even more we want to achieve in 2024. To help stay on an upward trajectory, we are continuing to support British tourism businesses through business rates support, the Energy Bills Discount Scheme until the end of March, and delivering the £4.8 billion Levelling Up Fund, which will be invested in projects that benefit British tourism.

This Government is determined to do all it can to support our visitor economy to be the best it’s ever been. If we continue to work together, I have no doubt we can achieve this, and cement Britain’s place as one of the top tourist destinations on the planet.

Sir John Whittingdale, MP
Tourism Minister