An 8% drop in UK staycations in 2024 has put Cornwall and Devon’s tourism-dependent businesses at risk, as rising prices force families to cut back on domestic holidays. Industry groups urge urgent government action to prevent economic fallout.
The rising cost of living in the UK is having a detrimental impact on domestic tourism, particularly in popular staycation destinations such as Cornwall and Devon. Recent data from CoStar indicates that there has been an 8% decline in staycations in 2024 relative to the previous year. This trend has raised concerns among local business groups, who are warning that without immediate government intervention, the viability of these enterprises could be at risk.
A survey conducted by RSM UK, which included responses from 1,000 consumers, revealed a significant decrease in the number of families planning domestic holidays. Just 28% expressed intentions to take a UK city break, while only 27% planned a longer staycation—this marks a decrease from 40% and 35%, respectively, in 2023. Daniel Attwood, a spokesperson for Back British Holidays, articulated these concerns in an interview with the Express, stating, “everything we have been warning may happen is coming true.”
Attwood highlighted that the rising costs are curtailing plans for staycations, even in light of favourable weather conditions. “While visitor numbers have dropped, spending has increased,” he remarked. “When you dig into it, what that’s telling us is prices have gone up, and people have been required to spend more to get the same activity. This is all leading to the continuing decline in domestic tourism.” He stressed that government action is imperative to counteract this trend, calling for initiatives to enhance public transport and promote domestic tourism to make staycations more accessible and appealing.
The campaign group is urging Labour to invest in infrastructural improvements that could ease pressures on local businesses. Attwood suggested that simplifying regulations could empower businesses to create exclusive offers for staycations, potentially revitalising the sector. He commented, “It’s not just about highways, but also public transport where people are on location.”
Looking ahead, Attwood warned of severe repercussions if the government fails to act. He said, “Worst case scenario, we’re going to see businesses go under this year.” He elaborated on the broader implications, noting that closures would affect employment, decrease business rates, and lead to a significant reduction in the income that local economies depend on from tourism.
The situation remains critical, with many stakeholders advocating for a robust response to support the struggling domestic tourism sector before it faces further decline.
Source: Noah Wire Services
- https://www.rsmuk.com/news/uk-families-shun-the-staycation-in-2024 – This RSM UK survey reveals a significant decline in UK families planning staycations in 2024, with only 28% intending to take a UK city break and 27% planning a longer staycation, down from 40% and 35% respectively in 2023.
- https://www.rsmuk.com/insights/consumer-markets-outlook-2024/hotels-travel-and-tourism – RSM UK’s 2024 outlook indicates a decrease in domestic travel demand, with a 3.5% decline compared to the previous year, influenced by rising costs and economic uncertainty.
- https://www.rsmuk.com/insights/consumer-markets-outlook-2024/consumer-outlook-mid-year-update – This mid-year update from RSM UK highlights that, despite improved consumer confidence, intentions to cut back on short and long-stay holidays have increased, reflecting ongoing financial concerns.
- https://www.rsmuk.com/insights/consumer-outlook/hotels-travel-and-tourism-industry-outlook – RSM UK’s 2025 outlook shows a shift towards domestic holidays, with 28% of consumers planning long-stay UK holidays, indicating a potential recovery in the staycation market.
- https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c8ekwn46k62o – Malcolm Bell, executive chairman of Visit Cornwall, describes 2024 as the ‘flattest year’ for tourism, attributing the decline to poor weather, the general election, and cost of living pressures.
- https://www.theguardian.com/money/2024/apr/07/britains-staycation-boom-may-be-over-as-bookings-dry-up – This article discusses a significant drop in staycation bookings, with some areas experiencing up to an 80% decline in demand, attributed to factors like poor weather and an oversupply of holiday lets.
- https://www.express.co.uk/news/uk/2049918/uk-staycations-decline-labour-warning – Please view link – unable to able to access data
Noah Fact Check Pro
The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.
Freshness check
Score:
8
Notes:
The narrative references current economic conditions and data from 2024, suggesting it is relatively fresh. However, it lacks specific recent developments other than general trends.
Quotes check
Score:
8
Notes:
Quotes from Daniel Attwood appear original and specific to this context, making it likely this is the first substantial reference to his statements in this form. No prior online mentions could be found.
Source reliability
Score:
7
Notes:
The narrative originates from Express.co.uk, a known but sometimes sensational publication, which may introduce some bias. However, it cites data from credible sources like CoStar and a survey by RSM UK.
Plausability check
Score:
9
Notes:
The claims about rising costs affecting staycations align with general economic trends. The survey and data provided offer plausible evidence for these assertions.
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): PASS
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): HIGH
Summary:
While the source might lean towards sensationalism, the narrative is supported by credible data and recent economic conditions, making it plausible and well-supported.
