| Whether it is due to a dislike of rushing to make tight | | | | Wimbledon Lawn Tennis, Henley Royal and the |
| connecting flights, crowded airports or a simple fear | | | | Edinburgh International Festival are just a few of the |
| of flying, increasing numbers of travellers simply don't | | | | internationally renowned events keeping the domestic |
| want to fly long distances by airplane. International | | | | tourist here during the summer months. |
| terrorism, bird flu, language barriers and the risk of | | | | Another potential reason for this reduced length stay |
| getting 'Delhi belly' are also contributing to a boost in | | | | is possibly due to the generally high prices charged |
| the UK domestic tourism industry with the market | | | | for UK hotel rooms. The UK has one of the highest |
| now estimated to be worth over £59 billion | | | | rates of VAT levied on accommodation in the EU; |
| per annum. | | | | with only Denmark imposing higher rates. In addition a |
| Figures show that travellers who prefer making their | | | | new 'Bed Tax' is being proposed as part of a series |
| trips within the UK rather than abroad, tend to | | | | of Government tax reviews. This will mean an |
| journey more frequently but for shorter lengths of | | | | additional 10% tax could be added on top of the |
| time, with the average period of a trip within the UK | | | | current 17.5% VAT making the UK the most heavily |
| being just over 3 nights. | | | | taxed holiday destination in Europe. |
| One possible explanation for the domestic short | | | | Whether it's a shopping break to take advantage of |
| break trend is the powerful DINKY (Double Income | | | | the sales, a family theme park break with the kids, a |
| No Kids Yet) demographic. With a high disposable | | | | luxury pampering break or a peaceful country break |
| income but perhaps not a great deal of free time | | | | to simply escape the hustle and bustle of city living, |
| due to heavy work commitments, the DINKY's | | | | it's all within easy reach through the specialist online |
| holiday of choice is the short break. Heading straight | | | | travel companies who are able to offer wide ranges |
| off on holiday after work is particularly appealing to a | | | | in choice for short breaks including hotel |
| group who are looking to fit as much into a 2-3 day | | | | accommodation at discounted rates. Using online |
| break as possible. They can also afford more than | | | | travel companies who specialise in booking 2-5 star |
| one holiday a year so dividing up their annual leave | | | | hotel accommodation throughout the UK, Europe and |
| allocation into multiple short breaks is the perfect | | | | beyond, means it is possible to book theatre and |
| solution. | | | | event tickets and arrange accommodation in |
| Home grown attractions such as Royal Ascot, | | | | advance, whilst also saving money. |