A Critical Overview of Domestic Tourism in the UK during the Pandemic
As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, traveling abroad has become increasingly challenging, prompting many individuals to seek local seasonal getaways. Camping and caravan sites have become more popular than ever, and the BBC recently visited Beach View Holiday Park in Suffolk to explore how individuals are enjoying their “staycation.”
Beach View Holiday Park, located just south of the nuclear power stations at Sizewell, offers a clifftop position that overlooks the sea, sand, and shingle, and provides space for static and mobile caravans and campervans.
Despite initially planning to visit his wife’s relatives in Morocco during the summer, Robert Campbell and his family ended up at Sizewell, near the town of Leiston, due to the pandemic. The 35-year-old stated that they knew it would not be possible to travel abroad and hence decided to book a trip in the UK. Furthermore, his wife’s pregnancy with their third child was another crucial factor that influenced their decision to stay in the UK. The family has a caravan that enables them to have a comfortable trip.
Helen Costello and Sally Dovernor, who have five children between them, also chose to vacation together within the UK due to the pandemic. The friends from Yorkshire booked a two-week holiday in January, expecting UK breaks to be popular in the summer. Ms. Dovernor further mentioned that she purchased a caravan after the first lockdown to have the freedom to get away and feel safer with her own accommodation.
Kristian Thorp, the site manager of Beach View Holiday Park, reported that the touring park at the family-run site was booked for the school holidays and most rentals are fully booked until November. The RAC estimated that around 11.5 million people in England and Wales headed somewhere within the UK in their cars last week. This trend of people choosing to holiday in Britain is attributed to the complications caused by coronavirus while traveling abroad.
Although foreign travel is allowed, people must follow different rules about testing and quarantine based on the traffic light status of their destination country. Coastal areas have seen the largest rise in Covid app pings, indicating an influx of tourists in these areas.
Conclusion
In summary, the COVID-19 pandemic has led to a significant shift in people’s holiday choices, with many opting for domestic tourism within the UK. Camping and caravan sites have seen a surge in demand, with many sites booked out until November. The pandemic has made people realize the beauty of what is on their doorstep and appreciate simple pleasures, such as being by the sea. The hospitality industry has also adapted to this change, providing a safe environment for people to relax and have a good time.
