see all jobs
Tourism boosted by family visits
The English Tourism Council (ETC) says new research explodes many of the myths surrounding the potential of the visiting friends and relatives (VFR) market for English tourism.
The Visits to Friends and Relatives report suggests this 'often-unrecognised' form of tourism is worth at least £10bn, with the potential to increase further over the next ten years. VFR trips have increased by one third in the last five years alone, double the increase in general holiday trips.
According to the ETC research over half of those interviewed said they had visited friends or relatives on an overnight stay for an average of seven visits during any one-year. Almost of third of respondents said they do not always stay in the home of their friend or relative when visiting them.
ETC head of research Tim Blightman said that although these days many people live a long way from family and friends, they still want to visit them, with tremendous opportunities for tourism businesses who target this sector:
'They often stay in hotels or B&Bs, go to bars, eat out at local restaurants and actively seek out local attractions and events.'
Over half of those hosting visitors said that they always take visitors out to eat in local restaurants at least once during their stay while as many as 88 per cent said they would buy in extra food when friends or relatives arrived. Details: Visits to Friends and Relatives is available from ETC Fulfilment on +44 (0)870 606 7204 (price £15 plus £3.50pp).
More News
- News by sector (all)
- All news
- Fitness
- Personal trainer
- Sport
- Spa
- Swimming
- Hospitality
- Entertainment & Gaming
- Commercial Leisure
- Property
- Architecture
- Design
- Tourism
- Travel
- Attractions
- Theme & Water Parks
- Arts & Culture
- Heritage & Museums
- Parks & Countryside
- Sales & Marketing
- Public Sector
- Training
- People
- Executive
- Apprenticeships
- Suppliers