To continue the boring stories of credit crunch and swine flu; going abroad has never been so stigmatised. The lack of money and fear mongering around pig flu has forced former Costa del Sol regulars to change their destinations to Butlins and the Costa del Kent. Not that there is anything wrong with this, on the contrary in fact; it has stimulated the national economy, cultivated a spirit of civic pride and opened the eyes of Brits to the beauty of their own backyards.   

Caravan sales are through the roof, Center Parcs, Butlins, Haven, and Pontins have never been so popular. I am hopeful that when the recession fog begins to lift, people will continue to holiday in the UK and continue to learn about the countryside of which Wordsworth wrote about, and delve into the past of one of the world’s richest histories. But that is the big question; are people only staying in England until they can spare the expense of going abroad, or will people fall so in love with the advantages of staying in the UK that they never leave. Obviously, global warming permitting, the more attractive option will almost always be going abroad.  

It’s an interesting question and in very short, I should imagine that as soon as things pick up, we will all be straight on the next flight to Malaga and on the sun beds before you can say ‘budget flights’. Personally, I think it is important to see the world but we must remember what a culturally rich, beautiful and historic country we currently inhibit.  

Our cities and countryside are some of the most stunning in the world, and we have a large tapestry of national events as well as being the motherland to legends such as Shakespeare, Henry VIII, John Lennon, Winston Churchill and (cough) Simon Cowell. 

Tourism is a double edged sword though on the world stage. For every holiday at Butlins, there is an empty plane seat, an empty taxi, an empty hotel room and a space by the swimming pool at a foreign holiday resort. As with everything, there are winners and losers, and let us not forget that we are not the only country in financial meltdown. Foreigners who previously holidayed in England now stay at home also, with repercussions on our economy. To learn more on the subject please take a look at what’s on offer.