23 May 2011
The UK’s sunniest place has been named a staycation hotspot in a recent survey by Travelodge as more than a third of Brits holiday in the UK this summer.
Hotel chain Travelodge conducted the survey and say one third will be taking a seaside holiday in the UK, with Eastbourne proving to be one of the most popular locations.
With the town already seeing an influx of visitors over the past couple of months, with the double Bank Holiday weekends bringing visitors from across the globe, Eastbourne is looking forward to a busy summer.
Eastbourne Borough Council Cabinet Member for Tourism and Leisure Cllr Neil Stanley said “It is fantastic news that Eastbourne has again emerged as a staycation hotspot in the recent survey by Travelodge. When the trend for a staycation first came about a couple of years ago, we did as much as possible to market Eastbourne as an affordable destination so that the town could benefit from the rise in domestic tourism during the economic downturn.
“We have worked in partnership with accommodation providers and businesses across the town to offer visitors reduced price stays and the chance to download discount vouchers from our destination website, VisitEastbourne.com. The special offers section on VisitEastbourne.com is always being updated with new deals and this, combined with a fantastic events programme meaning there is always something going on as well as our sunniest place title, means Eastbourne continues to be a top choice for a staycation.
“With this April being the warmest on record for Eastbourne and offering more hours of sunshine than anywhere else in the country, Eastbourne’s temperatures and sunshine often rival our overseas counterparts and with another threat from volcanic ash cloud, we hope to see a further boost to visitors this summer.”
The Travelodge survey cited reasons for taking a staycation including it being cheaper than going abroad and one in three wanting to avoid flying and Eastbourne is again hoping to capitalise on the trend for domestic tourism.
Next month Eastbourne’s Devonshire Park will stage the AEGON International Tennis Championships in partnership with the LTA and offer visitors the chance to watch players from across the globe in the south coast destination. Visitors will be able to enjoy a first class sporting experience in the UK destination that boasts more sunshine than anywhere else.
Or for visitors wanting a taste of the silver screen, Eastbourne offers a brand new TV and Film Guide showcasing the town’s movie credentials offering visitors a taste of Hollywood without having to leave the country.
With VisitEastbourne.com containing a wide range of money-saving offers for stays in the town, including 3 nights for the price of 2 and 7 nights for the price of 6, Eastbourne is hoping its competitive rates will give it an edge over rival destinations this summer.
For more information on what’s on in Eastbourne to browse special offers and discount vouchers go to the VisitEastbourne website or call 0871 663 0031.
