Staycation slump leaves £22bn hole

STAYCATIONS have fallen in popularity this year with cash-strapped Britons looking for cheaper alternatives — leaving a £22billion dent in the economy.

- By Rebecca Robinson

The slump in traditional family holidays at seaside resorts nationwide has come despite the hot and dry summer, with three heatwaves recorded so far.

Travel experts say this is the result of households having less money to spend with energy, water and food costs soaring under Labour.

And those fortunate enough to be able to take a break have been seeking cheaper foreign alternatives, with hotels and campsites here struggling with the hikes in worker costs imposed by the Chancellor, Rachel Reeves.

"Domestic tourism is such a valuable part of the economy and it's just been left to die," says Daniel Attwood of campaign group Back British Holidays.