There is a notable beneficiary of the current situation, and it’s not a charlatan making the most out of people’s misery, it’s our Great British countryside.
VisitBritain forecast that inbound tourism would reach record levels in 2020 and spending would exceed £26.5 billion for the first time. Coronavirus will change that picture dramatically; only time will tell by how much.
“We have a huge opportunity to encourage British travellers to remember that there are fantastic destinations just a car journey away, instead of a flight,” says Samantha Evans CEO and Founder of Humphreys of Henley, English countryside specialists.
“Since the outbreak of Coronavirus, there has been a surge of enquiries from Britons wanting to stay in this country. They’re a discerning group and are still looking for the excitement, beauty and variety that they enjoy while abroad, but they want it closer to home…and we can deliver!”
Britons love travelling, and the latest figures from the ONS show spending of over £45 billion abroad; the fabulous UK destinations can now be the recipients of some of that spend.
Boris Johnson has just stated that Britain will survive the epidemic with a “national effort”, the tourism industry needs to adopt that approach.
Working together to remind our fellow countrymen of just how many incredible experiences are on their doorstep will create a win-win: memorable holiday experiences for many and vital funds for the tourism industry which employs over 2 million people and is worth over £1 billion to the British economy.
“The British countryside has something for everyone, and the millions of overseas visitors who come to the UK are proof of just how special our island is. 2020 will be the perfect time for so many Britons to rediscover the treats on their doorstep” says Sam.
She should know, her Humphreys of Henley team is dedicated to creating exceptional experiences in the English countryside every day.
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