A new travel campaign this winter aims to help support the British tourism industry while respecting local COVID-19 restrictions. Tourism typically falls into something of a lull in winter. And let’s face it, the travel industry has been hardhit this year. So VisitBritain is encouraging us all to Escape the Everyday.
The nationwide campaign is in partnership with VisitEngland, Visit Wales, VisitScotland, and Tourism Northern Ireland. Launched in September, it plans to run until March, 2021.
Although winter is typically a slower season for travel, this year looks to be even more so. VisitBritain conducted a survey which found that only 21% of Brits expect to take an overnight trip between this November and next March. Escape the Everyday hopes to boost the British domestic tourist industry, which is expected to see a 49% decrease this year because of the coronavirus pandemic. That decline equals an estimated £45 billion loss to the economy.
How to Escape?
With the lockdowns and restrictions we’ve seen this year, getting away is definitely tempting. But how do we Escape the Everyday? VisitBritain wants to encourage people to think about taking short overnight or weekend breaks as safety restrictions allow. Discover something new. Explore a new part of the country. Explore in a different way (cycling, walking, etc.). And, perhaps most importantly, take some time to treat yourself with a spa weekend or a learning weekend. This year, you have more than earned it!
Here at British Food and Travel, we are all about exploring the coastline and countryside of the UK. So perhaps consider a wildlife spotting trip or a foraging course. Find some out-of-the-ordinary places to stay. Find a pub or restaurant with a great view and an excellent menu that you’ve been meaning to try.
Check out the tourism websites for ideas that might interest you, and look for the hashtag #EscapetheEveryday on social media. Make sure that accommodations and businesses in that area are Good to Go. Support local. Get away from it all. Escape the Everyday!
