Staycation Brits become more UK savvy

Last year’s trend for holidaying at home is evolving according to leading escorted tour operator Shearings Holidays.

Latest figures from the company suggest peoples’ love of Britain is still strong but they are looking for new ways to explore the country which offer added luxury or more for their money.

Bookings for a new British Isles sea cruise, which explores the entire coastline of Britain in 12 days, have increased by 50% in the last month suggesting that customers are willing to be more adventurous and are looking for options which offer new experiences.

Caroline Brown, commercial director for Shearings, said: “Last year, the changes in the economy meant that many people were trying a UK break as their main holiday for the first time and weren’t sure what to expect.

“This year, we’re seeing customers looking for more variety from their UK break and our cruise break has proved particularly popular as it provides an opportunity to see the British Isles from different perspective while enjoying all the benefits of a luxury cruise liner.”

Shearings also believes the rise in bookings is down to new initiatives which have made cruising more accessible to people who may not have tried it before, such as its free coach transfers operating from 120 regional pick-up points to the departure port of Harwich.

Caroline added: “The increase in cruises available from British ports, along with enhanced services like our free coach transfers, is helping to attract many first time bookers who may not have previously considered cruising as an option.”

The highest numbers of bookings for the British Isle Heritage Cruise are coming from the Midlands and Yorkshire.

Shearings offers 23 sea cruises for 2010 with a new dedicated sea cruise brochure, created in partnership with All Leisure Group's MV Discovery.

The operator was also named ‘Best Escorted Tours Operator’ at the British Travel Awards (BTA) 2008 and 2009.