Boost for Shropshire tourism as more Brits holiday at home

Research carried out by hotel chain Travelodge showed that almost three out of five people are choosing to take their summer break in the UK.

This is a two per cent increase on last year’s figures and reflect continues concerns on the economy as well as the strong pound.

People are increasingly opting to stay at home, either with a full holiday away or by opting to take a series of day trips during their time off.

It is a trend that has left regional tourist boards fighting each other for their share of the staycation market.

According to Shropshire Tourism, the county is becoming increasingly popular as a quick get away destination, due to the county’s central location, picturesque towns and easy access to unspoilt countryside.

Jodie Stephen, business manager at Shropshire Tourism, said: “ I think there are now some really cheap deals going for UK holidays, so it’s now becoming very affordable, there are some very beautiful destinations too.

“The tourism season in Shropshire is now just getting started. We have lots of events planned.

"One of the most popular is The Shrewsbury Flower Show, closely followed by Ludlow Food Festival and Shrewsbury Folk Festival which is held on the August bank holiday ever year. Often accommodation and tickets sell out a year in advance.

“The top three destinations in Shropshire are Ironbridge for its picturesque setting, Ludlow for its reputation for good food and Shrewsbury for its unique history.

“We may not be as well known as some of the other honey pot sites, but we are doing lots to really get Shropshire on the map.

Shropshire makes a regular appearance on our TV screens, and has recently been featured on BBC Country File and Escape To The Country, as well as being written about in prominent national magazines such as Country Living Magazine.

Ironbridge was also highlighted by ministers in a report released this week that talks about the importance of industrial heritage for tourism.

Ms Stephen said: “It’s good to see the county being recognised. We do as much as we can to promote Shropshire and local events.

"Holidaymakers have a positive knock on effect for local businesses, and help greatly benefit the local economy.”

The recent findings state that Brits will be splashing out an average of £729.80 on their annual British break, which promises to give the UK economy a much needed boost of 20 per cent throughout 2018.

The Albright Hussey Manor Hotel is on the outskirts of Shrewsbury and boasts several rooms where visitors can stay and enjoy a meal in the award-winning restaurant, which serves food made from locally sourced produce. The manor is also a successful wedding and events venue.

Terry Northwood, from the hotel, said: “People come from all over the UK and abroad to stay with us and explore the area.

"The hotel is really popular with people who want to visit Shrewsbury specifically, I think people come to visit because they enjoy the town’s quaintness and medieval history.

"One couple are even travelling all the way from Australia to get married at the hotel this summer.

“Social media really helps to promote the business, surrounding area and local outings, we have Facebook as well as just starting a more recent Instagram page.”

The survey undertaken by Travelodge involved 3,000 adults for the past six years, and revealed that one in four holidaymakers were planning to take more short breaks, averaging three a year.

Shakila Ahmed of Travelodge said: “More Britons than ever are exploring what makes great Britain so great.

"We have become a nation of savvy value shoppers and we want our holiday to work hard for our pound.

"We are seeing more people booking three-in-one holidays. This includes taking a city, rural and coastal break as part of a one week holiday.

"It means you need to be clever to plan your route but it is easily achievable as Great Britain has so much to offer.”

More than a quarter of the respondents involved in the survey stated that they thought Britain is more beautiful than any other destination in the world.

Although Shropshire may be increasing in popularity, the survey revealed that the South West is the place to be - with Cornwall being crowned the most popular UK holiday destination, closely followed by Devon and Blackpool.