A few weeks ago we brought you the news of a passport backlog and the issue is showing no signs of abating, and now the Tourism Minister Helen Grant has waded into the furore suggesting that people make the most of what we have at home. Now staycations are great but this is no assurance to people who have booked, and paid for a foreign holiday this year, and understandably holidaymakers are upset by the ministers response.
For those who have already booked foreign holidays this year, knowing there are wonderful places to visit on our shores is small recompense, but one way or another the passport crisis is a boom for British tourism.
The staycation has been on the rise for years and the investment in the UK holiday industry is starting to show with more and more luxury and unusual British holidays emerging. With the passport crisis this year and some fairly good weather so far, it’s likely to be a bumper year for the British holidaymaker.
We’re right at the end of term now when the British holiday season really gets underway. Those with passport issues may now be looking for a last minute UK break, but they’ll need to be quick as many others are in the same boat and British holiday parks may find themselves at capacity this year.
The Tourism Minister has come under criticism for her remarks, but without any end in sight for the Great British Passport Crisis, it may be that many people are forced to follow her advice. David Cameron himself is well known for holidaying in Cornwall every year and many may now be forced to follow his lead. That said, with British holidays offering more than ever, a force UK break may just show many what they are missing.
If you are on the hunt for a last minute deal there are many special offers around the UK including school summer offers starting at just £249 a week!
By: Kath Cross
