Stayforlong data reveals balance between international and domestic travel preferences.
New data from Stayforlong, a leading travel booking platform, reveals that the United Kingdom ranked sixth globally in travel bookings over the past three months, showcasing the country’s robust tourism sector and a growing domestic travel trend.
Google Trend data shows an increase in searches for “staycation” in the last 7 days, with the surge in searches coinciding with the warmer weather the UK has experienced and as many families are finalising summer holiday plans.
Key Findings:
- UK and Turkey ranked 1st and 2nd for UK travellers
- Turkey and Spain emerged as the top country destination globally
- Global travel trends show a preference for beach destinations and cultural hubs
The data highlights a diverse mix of travel preferences among UK holidaymakers, balancing sun-soaked beach destinations with city breaks and domestic exploration. This trend also aligns with the growing popularity of “staycations” – vacations taken within one’s home country.
Nadia Elgabu, Brand and Content Manager for Stayforlong, commented on the findings: “Our booking data from the past quarter offers a compelling snapshot of UK travel trends. While international destinations like Turkey and Spain continue to captivate British travellers, we’re also seeing strong interest in domestic tourism. This blend of overseas adventures and local discoveries showcases the versatility of UK holidaymakers.”
This recent trend towards domestic travel not only boosts local economies but also aligns with more sustainable travel practices.
Stayforlong’s Top Destinations and Must-Do Activities:
- Antalya, Turkey: Explore the ancient ruins of Termessos
- London, UK: Take a river cruise on the Thames
- Dubai, UAE: Experience a desert safari
- Hurghada, Egypt: Dive in the Red Sea’s coral reefs
- Benidorm, Spain: Enjoy the panoramic views from Benidorm Castle
The report also revealed interesting patterns in long-haul travel, with the United States ranking 4th globally and 7th in the UK, demonstrating travellers’ willingness to explore far-flung destinations.
Elgabu added, “This data not only reflects current travel preferences but also provides valuable insights for the tourism industry. It underscores the importance of offering diverse travel options to cater to the varied interests of UK holidaymakers, from distant beach resorts to European cultural city breaks and everything in between.”
YouGov data shows that 67% of people prefer to stay in hotels when going on holiday, so whether it’s the allure of the sunny shores of Antalya, Turkey, a more-traditional beach-holiday in Benidorm, or exploring London’s historic streets, holidaymakers are finding joy in both familiarity and new experiences.
The focus is on taking a break this summer, and with that the accommodation convenience of hotels tops the list. Stayforlong’s quarterly data provides valuable insights for both the travel industry, highlighting opportunities to further develop and promote domestic tourism alongside international travel options.
