Visit England, The National Tourist Board and Jeremy Hunt, The Secretary of State have just launched the biggest ever domestic tourism campaign – 'Holidays at Home are Great', estimated at a cost of £5 million.
The campaign is supported by the home nation tourist boards of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland and it will showcase the country and highlight the key events taking place here this year, especially the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee and of course the Olympic Games! It is aimed at inspiring UK residents to take a holiday during this unprecedented year. And with the rising cost of air travel and diversity of holiday experiences available it shows that we should rekindle our love affair with the Great British Holiday!
'Holidays at Home are Great' is supported by hundreds of tourism businesses up and down the country including national hotel chains, The Bourne Leisure Group, Hoseasons and Thomas Cook to name just a few. There are great deals to be had from hotels, to holiday parks, country cottages and spa breaks to local attractions.
Take a look below at just a few I've found:
Holiday Parks can be found at all different locations and each has its unique selling point. Lake side parks offer guests a wide range of activities from jet skiing, water skiing, pedaloes and fishing whilst parks on the coast guarantee the traditional seaside experience, which let's face it are what our childhood memories of great summers are made of. Plus, there is up to a 50% saving on selected parks for 7 nights in May, June and July!
With just 4 months to go to the Olympic Games, it is rumoured that tickets have now all sold out for the events. However, there are packages available both in the prime location of London and around the country that include accommodation, transport and tickets.
Prices start from £99 per person for 1 night’s accommodation and entry to one event.
And if you want to join in the Jubilee Celebrations, then why not join in the Pageant to celebrate the Queen's 60 years on the throne, with a one night stay at the Beaumont Estate Hotel in Windsor and a day ticket to the pageant at Windsor Castle from just £125 per person.
Further Jubilee Breaks are available for 3 and 4 nights – for example, a 3 night, Half Board stay at The Lakeside, Hayling Island costs from just £172 per person. Or you could embark on a Heritage Cruise of the British Isles for 11 nights – prices here start at £2,219 for a 26th May departure.
So, 2012 is going to be a year like no other in our history with the Diamond Jubilee Celebrations and the Olympics. With so much going, this is the perfect time to make the most of the UK and take your holiday, short break or weekend here. However, early bookings are advisable, as there is predicted to be a shortage of holidays particularly in July and August!
Want to find out more? Please contact me, Jill Wilson, your local Macclesfield Co-operative Personal Travel Advisor for further information.
