Lancashire told to prepare for 'staycation' boom

Jamie Griffiths, Content Director for regional radio station Smooth Radio North West, said nearly three quarters of UK holidaymakers are expected to take breaks at home with the improving offer highlighted as a major reason.

Research published by property lender, Cambridge and Counties Bank, showed just over a fifth of people said that improving quality and choice compared to non-UK locations was a draw to holidaying here.

Smooth Radio North West is the region’s number one commercial radio station and it is sponsoring the Leisure and Tourism Business of the Year category at this year’s Be Inspired Business Awards, The BIBAs, which is open for applications until the end of this month.

Jamie said: “We know that Lancashire is a destination which people flock to from across the UK and beyond and news that Britons are looking to holiday at home is great news for our leisure and tourism industries.

“The county welcomes nearly 69 million visitors every year and they bring more than £4 billion of value to our economy, but the industry knows that this is only because they continue to keep their standards so high.

“The attractions, accommodation and food and drink offer from Lancashire is up there with the best in Britain and I am sure our leisure and tourism businesses will rise to the challenge of this summer.”

Statistics from Marketing Lancashire also show that the tourism industry supports almost 61,000 jobs across the county.

The Leisure and Tourism Business of the Year category is one of 20 awards on offer at The BIBAs with applications now coming in from across Lancashire.

The prizes up for grabs recognise sectors from across the county and businesses of all sizes