Festive domestic holiday plans expected to bring £3.3bn boost to economy
A recent VisitEngland survey shows that visiting friends and family and going out for a Christmas meal are most popular festive activities.
VisitEngland’s Christmas Trip Tracker Survey released today, 18 December, shows that 11.6 million Brits are planning an overnight holiday trip in the UK during the Christmas and New Year period, bringing an estimated £3.3 billion boost to the economy.
The figures are up by nearly a third (32%) on last year’s results, when 8.8 million had planned a domestic break.
Among those definitely planning an overnight holiday trip in England, nearly half (49%) are planning on taking two or more trips during the festive season. The survey also shows that 7% of Brits have yet to decide if they will take an overnight trip in England during this time. The top reasons are ‘waiting to see if there are any deals / special offers’ followed by ‘waiting to see what the weather is like.’
VisitEngland CEO Patricia Yates said: “It is encouraging to see many of us are planning a short break with friends and family during the festive season, boosting the economy through tourism. From buzzing Christmas markets to festive light trails, from winter walks with a cosy pub lunch to seasonal favourites such as the free Blackpool Illuminations, there is an experience and attraction for everyone.
“We know from destinations across England that 2025 has been a very mixed picture as consumers wrestle with cost-of-living uncertainties and businesses with the higher cost of trading. Our latest consumer sentiment research shows that many people are booking last minute, wanting to save on accommodation, activities and seeking good value options. So please do go out and explore the amazing destinations and attractions here on our doorstep this festive season. Tourism businesses will be very pleased to see you and I am sure you will have a fantastic time.”
Popular seasonal activities Brits plan to do during the festive break, after visiting friends and family, include going out for a meal (41%), visiting a Christmas market (40%) and shopping at the post-Christmas sales (33%). More than one-in-five (21%) will participate in outdoor activities such as walking or cycling.
Of those surveyed, younger people are more likely to spend money at seasonal shopping events with 42% of 16-to-24-year-olds planning to shop at post-Christmas sales, while half (50%) are set to visit a Christmas market.
Vikki Harris, Marketing and Partnerships Director of Marketing Lancashire, said: “It is great to see such a rise in those planning domestic travel this festive season, and we hope for an increase in the number of domestic travellers visit Lancashire.”
“The bright lights, mouth-watering meals and incredible outdoor offering that you can find in Lancashire is bustling, even in the winter months. There are a lot of benefits that will go to those businesses who promote their product well over the festive season this year.”
For ideas on what to do this festive season across Lancashire, from festive menus and ice-skating to Christmas shows and attractions to keep the whole family entertained, head to www.visitlancashire.com/christmas
The full VisitEngland Christmas Trip Tracker survey can be accessed here: https://www.visitbritain.org/bank-holiday-trip-tracker