New research from building society, The Cumberland, has revealed that the majority of British holidaymakers (83%) would prefer to holiday here in the UK rather than travel abroad this year, with 68% citing fears of being stranded abroad and uncertainty around COVID-19 (62%) as their main motivation for a British staycation.

Just over half (55%) of those surveyed admit to having concerns about quarantine measures with 44% noting self-isolation at their destination is a major concern. Encouragingly, almost three-quarters of respondents (71%) are intending to plan a UK holiday in 2021, suggesting that the great British staycation is not just a short term solution to the coronavirus pandemic, but a long-term option for holidaymakers and a significant confidence boost for the hospitality sector.

Commissioned by The Cumberland, which has a long-established hospitality lending team, the  Research Without Barriers survey of 1,015 UK adults also highlighted that hotels (39%) and cottages (31%) are the most popular types of accommodation for those holidaying in Britain.

The research comes during a time of major uncertainty, with some countries across the world now facing spikes in coronavirus cases leading to short notice quarantine and self-isolation enforcements.

“This is an incredibly valuable piece of research for the British hospitality industry, as it reinforces the shift in mood amongst Britons when it comes to holidaying and travel,” said Bob Bishopp, head of commercial lending at The Cumberland. “We’re thrilled to see Brits are overwhelmingly opting for a UK holiday, not only this year but into next year as well, which I’m confident will prove to be a lifeline to the entire sector. Those in the hospitality industry have worked incredibly hard since lockdown, in probably the most challenging circumstances the sector has seen.  The goal has been to ensure the safest possible return for tourists and holidaymakers, while maintaining the safety of local residents, and that effort is now bearing fruit as we see Brits truly embracing the staycation.”

Findings from the research also revealed that before COVID hit, Spain was the most popular foreign destination, with a third of Brits admitting to cancelling their summer holiday to the country and opting for a British holiday instead. Meanwhile, Scotland and Cornwall were the favourite UK alternatives, with 16% opting to holiday there followed closely by the Lake District and Wales (15% each).