BRITS could be in line for an extra bank holiday this autumn after ministers backed the plan to boost staycations in the UK.
Culture secretary Oliver Dowden called the idea an “excellent proposal” and said he was speaking with other ministers about getting it implemented for this October.
He also suggested Airbnb holiday lets would be the first parts of the British tourism industry to reopen as they have a “lower risk” of spreading coronavirus.
The minister hopes to open up British tourism spots in early July – although the industry is hopeful of opening caravan and campsites earlier.
He said he will push a “major campaign to encourage people to take British staycations.”
Speaking in the Commons today he was asked about the VisitBritian proposal for a bank holiday, and said: “That is an excellent proposal.
“One of the challenges we will have is getting the sector up and running as strongly as possible in the summer and extending it for as long as we can.”
Downing Street said they were still responding to the proposal.
And Brits should expect a massive campaign to reassure them that is safe to travel to beauty spots across Britain.
Mr Dowden added: “We are hoping to get tourism back as rapidly as possible, and when it is back we will invest extensively in ensuring that we have a major campaign to encourage British people to take British staycations.”
People in England are now able to travel wherever they like for day trips across the country – but they cannot yet stay overnight.
Camping trips are banned too for the meantime, to stop the spread of Covid-19.
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office still advises against all but essential travel overseas – so foreign breaks are off the table for now.
But ministers have said the are “optimistic” that the public may still be able to enjoy a foreign holiday this year.
VisitBritain chief Patricia Yates revealed that a mass campaign to push all parts of the UK should be launched by the end of June.
And she was glad to see the Culture Secretary take up their proposal of a bank holiday.
Speaking to HOAR she said: “It’s really important to extend the season, and bank holidays are really valuable,
“Having a bank holiday in the October half term would really drive business, and remind people that the holiday season is still going and not just ending in August.”
The tourism group has already said the hit to UK tourism would cost the economy up to £37 billion.
She added: “We know we are not going to get more travellers in this year, quarantine or not, as there are other restrictions and every nation is focusing on their domestic market.”
Ms Yates welcomed the plans for a campaign, which should be ready by the end of the month.
She said: “We are pressing for the campaign, but people are really nervous about travelling and they are not optimistic they are going to take a holiday, domestic or not, this year.
“There is a need for a two phases campaign, not just destination, but a reassurance campaign – to say it is safe to travel, you can be socially distant and responsible and businesses have thought about the adaptations they need to make post Covid.
“We are cracking on with it.”
The staycation call comes as Britain imposes a 14 day quarantine for tourists and travellers coming back to the UK from Monday.
