British seaside resorts are experiencing a boom in staycations as the heatwave continues, with more than half of Britons opting for domestic holidays this year. Bookings have doubled compared to two years ago, and hotel chains, food outlets, and tourism attractions are reporting record trade.
Travelodge spokeswoman Shakila Ahmed said: 'Our bookings data and the 2018 Travelodge holiday index report both report British seaside resorts are back in vogue this summer. We are experiencing a surge in bookings for last-minute jaunts to the seaside, inspired by the tropical heatwave.'
Patricia Yates, director of strategy at VisitBritain, said: 'The ease and certainty of budgeting for a holiday at home, as well as the delightful weather we’ve been having, contribute to the many reasons why people are choosing staycations, distributing the economic benefits of tourism throughout the country.'
In Bournemouth, the borough council has already reached its income target of £5.3 million from deckchair hire, sun loungers, beach huts, and cliff lift fares. Meanwhile, Brighton's Palace Pier has been packed for two months, and the upcoming Gay Pride Festival is expected to bring even more visitors. One trader said: 'The whole city is bustling and preparing for the biggest party of the year.'
Train booking data shows significant growth in visitor numbers to traditional seaside towns. Southend-on-Sea saw a 210% increase in bookings for July and August compared to 2016, while Margate rose by 164%, St Ives by 79%, and Scarborough by 76%. In June, Southend's visitor numbers reached 320,000, up 8% on last year, with tourist information centre visits up 36%.
The heatwave has been a boon for local businesses. Luca Vettese, of Notarianni Ice Cream Parlour in Southend, said: 'We have been exceptionally busy. The whole town is buzzing with the weather.' In Bournemouth, over 100,000 people visit every weekend, hotels are full, and restaurants are packed. Seafront kiosks are selling out of parasols and sun cream, and one bike hire company reported a 50% increase in business.
