Approximately 12.5 million people in the UK are preparing for a domestic Easter getaway due to concerns about the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, leading to a surge from last year’s 10.6 million staycationers. This rise is expected to inject a significant £4.8 billion boost into the country’s tourism and economy, as reported by VisitEngland.
The number of individuals opting for a staycation during the Easter break outweighs the 7.4 million planning trips abroad. Most of those choosing to stay within the UK for Easter are opting for short breaks lasting between one to three nights.
VisitEngland’s Trip-Tracker data indicates that 28% of surveyed individuals are anxious about the impact of the Middle East crisis on their upcoming travel plans in April and May. The primary concern revolves around potential financial constraints due to the economic fallout, with worries about increased airfares and possible flight disruptions.
This year’s figure of people planning an Easter staycation marks a substantial increase compared to 2024’s 11 million and nearly double the 6.5 million in 2023. Additionally, 5.1 million respondents remain undecided about taking an overnight holiday trip in the UK during the Easter weekend, citing concerns about affordability and weather conditions.
However, travelers embarking on road trips and holidays in the UK are facing the impact of soaring fuel prices following the conflict in Iran. Unleaded petrol prices have surged to an average of 150p per liter, representing a 17p increase, while diesel prices have risen even more significantly to 176.68p per liter, up by 34p in recent weeks.
Simon Williams, the head of policy at RAC, highlighted the notable increase in petrol prices, emphasizing the challenges this poses for drivers as the Easter weekend approaches. He advised drivers to carefully plan their refueling stops and utilize available apps to ensure they get the best fuel prices.
Some families are hesitating to travel due to impending bill hikes, including water and council tax, starting in April, along with concerns about rising food prices. Kate Allen, the owner of Finest Stays, mentioned a slight increase in bookings compared to the previous year, with more guests favoring UK stays over international travel.
Tourism Minister Stephanie Peacock praised the trend of staycations, emphasizing the benefits of supporting local tourism for small businesses and community economies. VisitEngland’s chief executive, Patricia Yates, encouraged people to explore the diverse experiences and accommodations available in the UK, promoting the beauty of British destinations during springtime.
UKHospitality expressed concerns about a proposed “tourist tax” by Labour, warning that it could lead to significant tax increases for holidaymakers and negatively impact the economy. The potential levy, if implemented by regional mayors, could result in closures of small businesses in the hospitality sector.
Oxford Economics’ modeling, commissioned by UKHospitality, projected adverse effects of a 5% levy, including substantial tax increases for holidaymakers by 2030 and a detrimental impact on the economy.
