Millions across the UK are preparing for an overnight holiday trip this bank holiday weekend, with an estimated 10.6 million people planning to travel within the country. This is forecast to provide a £4.3 billion boost to the economy.
This weekend will also be the last chance for individuals to utilise the government's Great British Summer Savings scheme. The initiative, which offers discounted access to attractions and leisure activities such as theme parks and cinemas, is set to conclude on 1 September 2026.
Tourism Minister Stephanie Peacock recently visited Blackpool, a prominent seaside destination, to observe how its visitor economy supports local jobs and businesses. In 2024, Blackpool welcomed 23.2 million tourists, generating £2.15 billion in visitor and tourism business expenditure.
The tourism sector is a significant part of the UK economy, supporting 2.4 million jobs and contributing £147 billion in direct and indirect GDP impact by 2024. This economic value is projected to increase to £161 billion annually by 2030, supporting an additional 175,000 jobs.