UK Tourism Boosted By Weak Pound After Brexit

The UK tourism industry has been enjoying an increase in people holidaying at home, as the Government unveils plans to make the UK the destination of the moment.

According to Barclays' research, 70% of UK adults have been on or are planning a 'staycation', with the seaside the most popular destination in the first half of the year.

The figures also show an increase in the amount people are spending, with the average for a stay-at-home holiday increasing from £575 last year to £613 in 2016.

Overall, Britons have spent £22.1bn on holidays at home following the drop in the pound's value against other currencies in the wake of Brexit.

A Tourism Action Plan published by the Government has suggested a number of new measures intended to push Britain further ahead in the race to attract visitors.

Ministers will be looking at relaxing licensing rules to allow bed and breakfast proprietors to offer guests a welcome drink without the need for a permit.

They will also be exploring changes to vehicle licensing regulations so guests can be picked up from the train station by their hosts.

Prime Minister Theresa May said the announcements would help to support the UK's "vitally import" tourist sector.

"The British people's decision to leave the European Union creates real opportunities for growth and we will work in close partnership with the tourism industry, to ensure it continues to thrive as negotiations on the UK's exit progress," she said.

"We are making it easier for visitors to travel beyond London and experience all of the world-class attractions the UK has to offer, to make sure the benefits of this thriving industry are felt by the many and not the few."