Holiday survey highlights north-south divide

Posted 26/08/2011

A higher percentage of northerners than southerners spent their holiday in the UK this year, according to an online survey by SMS, Survey and Marketing Services in Newcastle.

It found that 47% of Northerners are taking their holidays in the UK this year, compared to 41% of people living in Wales and just 28% in Greater London.

Londoners were found to be the most likely to travel abroad for their holidays this year (72%) compared to just 53% of Northerners.

Northerners are also most likely to choose shorter breaks and holidays lasting less than one week, with 60% not planning to have a holiday at all in 2012.

Lesley Wright, head of Quantitative Research at SMS, said: “The research shows that Northerners value a work/life balance and will ensure that they save money and make time for a holiday, whether it’s abroad or at home in the UK.

“With travel costs continuing to rise, and more limited flight destinations and choice of airports compared to those found in the South, certain holidaymakers in the North are being priced out of a foreign holiday abroad this year.

“However, with the threat of redundancy, many people are choosing to sit tight and either save for next year or make use of the growing number of travel comparison sites and special deals that seem to be in abundance this summer for people who are prepared to book at the last minute. This has also been reflected in the method for which people are choosing to book their holidays instead of going through a traditional travel agent or tour operator.

“Travel patterns are also changing with the traditional two week holiday no longer the case. Many people are choosing to spread their annual leave and the results show a variety of holiday durations indicating that people are preferring more shorter breaks across the year, as opposed to just the one annual fortnightly getaway.”

The online survey was conducted in June 2011 and asked a sample of 600 residents of UK about their travel plans for this year and next.

The sample was equally split amongst the following parts of UK: Scotland, Wales, North, Midlands, South (excluding Greater London) and Greater London (including City of London).

Meanwhile, Thomson and First Choice have issued a statement refuting claims that the staycation is winning favour over other holidays.

Spokesman Christian Cull said: "As yet another August is blighted by heavy rain across the UK, a lot of Brits are still looking to go overseas for their main summer holiday.”

Originally published 26 Aug 2011 at: http://rss.feedsportal.com/c/398/f/5923/s/17abbe58/l/0L0Stravelmole0N0Cstories0C11491120Bphp0Dmpnlog0F1/story01.htm