The British ‘staycation’ appears to be over with holidays to Spain enjoying a late upsurge in popularity.
Holidaymakers had been staying at home this year as the recession led to less funds for a summer holiday.
However, it would seem the wash-out summer we’ve experienced this year coupled with the strengthening of the pound have inspired the beginnings of a return to the sun-kissed beaches of the Costas, official figures from Spain’s National Statistics Institute reveal.
Overnight stays by foreign tourists in Spain – mainly Brits, French and Italians – rose by 11% in July this year, compared to the same time in 2009.
The figures are the first sign of a break with the staycation trend which led to sales of foreign holidays dropping by 15 per cent overall last year, according to Britain’s Office of National Statistics.
The return of Spain’s popularity was all the less surprising as it came yesterday on the same day weather forecasters warned of flash floods and heavy rainfall in Britain.
Hotel jobs are to be created by Urban & Country Leisure Ltd as the company has announced it is branching out into the small hotels market.
The firm, run by hospitality entrepreneur Ross Sanders, currently manages, operates and owns a number of pubs and restaurants across the UK.
It now plans to open ten small hotels over the next two years, starting with The Lazy Cow in Warwick.
“Our aim is to provide the best possible accommodation offering to the tourist, business and destination weekend break markets,” Mr Sanders said.
Earlier this month, Holiday Inn’s parent group InterContinental Hotels announced that it will create around 3,000 hotel jobs across the UK over the next three years.
A £30 million Aberdeen hotel opened its doors to the public yesterday in the city centre.
The 185-bedroom Park Inn in Justice Mill Lane, welcomed its first guests two years after the first turf was cut in the multimillion-pound iQ office and hotel development at the site.
The six-storey venue, part of international hotel group Rezidor, features eight meeting rooms and a gym as well as RBG, a restaurant and bar and has created 50 new hospitality jobs.
General manager David Allan said the hotel’s focus on “true Scottish hospitality” would set it apart from others in the city.
He said: “We have a fantastic location in the city centre.
“We believe the hotel will be a real asset to the city and a major contributor to the local community.”
More than 300 people from all over the world applied for the 50 positions on offer at the hotel.
Mr Allan said: “I’m confident we have first-class staff to match what I’m confident will be a first-class hotel.”
First Minister Alex Salmond, who cut the first turf on the development, said: “The hotel has not only created 50 jobs but will be a major contributor to the local economy.
“This opening is a clear demonstration that, in spite of very challenging times facing the sector, Scotland’s tourism businesses continue to play an important role in achieving sustainable economic development.”
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