Covid and cost of living puts Blackpool back on the map for Brits

Jack Peat

The seaside town has been named the UK’s best budget staycation destination in a new poll

Blackpool is enjoying a revival as a holiday hotspot after Covid and the cost of living crisis prompted Brits to look closer to home when it comes to summer getaways.

Last year, it was revealed that the number of people who visited Blackpool has more than doubled since 2020.

Tourism figures show a total of 18.81 million visited the seaside town in 2021 – twice those who visited in 2020 when pandemic restrictions on tourism were in place.

Blackpool made up 40 per cent of all visits to Lancashire in 2021, the report found, valuing the resort’s tourism economy at more than £1.4 billion, and supporting in excess of 20,000 jobs.

Now, a new poll has placed Blackpool as the number one budget staycation destination for Brits.

A poll of 2,000 holidaymakers ranked the home of the world-famous illuminations as the best value spot across four categories, including accommodation, transport, activities and eating out.

It was joined in the top 10 list of cost-effective holiday hotspots by other iconic seaside towns, including Brighton and Skegness, as well as Britain’s first seaside resort, Scarborough.

Graham Donoghue, chief executive of holiday letting agency Sykes Holiday Cottages, which commissioned the research, said: “Blackpool is an iconic British holiday destination.

“Not only does it encapsulate the best of a quintessential seaside staycation, but it also offers great value for money.

“With the rising cost of living continuing to put a squeeze on budgets, many holidaymakers will be looking to see where they can get the best value for money on holidays this year.

“Making travel plans closer to home could be an ideal solution, as it is easier to stick to a holiday budget while still spending quality time with loved ones.”

The research also revealed 27 per cent of holidaymakers are more likely to book a staycation this year due to the rising cost of living.

Nearly a quarter (23 per cent) have already booked their staycations for 2023, while 34 per cent are planning to get one organised.

A massive 94 per cent said it is important to them that they are getting good value for money when booking a holiday, and 75 per cent want to get the best bang for their buck with accommodation.

However, 26 per cent of those who are planning to go away this year said their holiday kitties have decreased because of the rising costs they are contending with.

The study, conducted via OnePoll, found that, this year, the average traveller will set aside nearly £1,800 for their trips.

To help keep within their budgets, one in three will book their getaways out of peak seasons, while 29 per cent will spend more time researching the best deals.

And 28 per cent will book self-catering accommodation so they can keep the cost of meals down while away.

But despite having less money than usual to go away with, 64 per cent will not let it deter them from having a memorable trip.

Graham Donoghue added: “Despite the cost-of-living crisis, millions of Brits are still eager to get away in 2023, with many opting to stay in the UK instead of heading abroad on their holidays to keep costs down.

“But who can really blame them when there is much to love about going on staycations?

“Throughout the UK, we are spoilt for choice when it comes to a diverse range of landscapes, activities, and history to enjoy, offering multiple opportunities to create lifelong memories for all groups of travellers, no matter what your budget is.”

To help holidaymakers looking for an affordable getaway this year, Sykes Holiday Cottages has compiled a roundup of the UK’s best value destinations alongside tips and insights on how to stick to a budget.