Bank Holiday Boom: South West Tourism Hopes for Last Big Spending Spree
The August bank holiday is set to be a crucial weekend for tourism businesses in the South West, with industry experts calling it the "last big payday before Christmas". After a summer season with visitor numbers down on last year, businesses are hoping for a boost from the long weekend, particularly if the weather cooperates.
Tim Jones, chairman of the South West Business Council, highlighted the importance of the bank holiday, stating it offers a chance for businesses to "put some decent cash in the bank". He added that a "decent weather window" could make the long weekend a "big cash generator" for businesses that have faced challenges over the past year.
Reports indicate that visitor numbers in Devon and Cornwall are currently 10% to 15% lower compared to last year. This has sparked concerns within the tourism sector, making the bank holiday even more significant for businesses reliant on seasonal income.
Ian Gregory, owner of the Toy and Model Museum in Sidmouth and vice chair of the Sidmouth Chamber of Commerce, expressed similar sentiments. He said, "We're expecting a lot of families to be down at the seaside. We've had a reasonable summer but not quite as good as last year, so this bank holiday is really important." He added that a busy bank holiday would provide a much-needed boost for businesses across the board, from hotels and guesthouses to shops.
National data from Visit England predicts that 11 million people will embark on overnight holiday trips in the UK this weekend, generating an estimated £3.1 billion boost to the economy. The importance of tourism to the South West is underscored by figures from Visit Devon, which estimates tourism contributes approximately £2.5 billion to the county's annual economy. Similarly, Visit Cornwall estimates that tourism contributes £2 billion to the Cornish economy.
With the August bank holiday approaching, businesses in the South West are eagerly awaiting the potential influx of visitors, hoping it will provide a much-needed financial boost and offer a positive end to a challenging summer season.
