The latest lockdown in Greater Manchester and parts of Lancashire and West Yorkshire after a spike in COVID-19 cases has added more uncertainty to British domestic tourism, according to Ben Cordwell, travel and tourism analyst at GlobalData.
Ben said: ?The latest government announcement could be an enormous blow to the domestic tourism industry within the UK and the increased COVID-19 anxiety may cause prospective travellers to cross even staycations off their to-do list this year. A significant reduction in domestic tourism over the summer months could be a critical blow to many companies. Hotels, restaurants, pubs/bars and attractions have already had to survive months with little or no business. Any further financial strain could see some companies closing permanently."
According to a survey by GlobalData, 82% of Brits are quite concerned about COVID-19, while 49% are quite concerned about restrictions on domestic travel. The latest restrictions, which affect around four million people, do little to ease COVID-19 anxiety - something that could have a knock-on impact on the number of holidaymakers willing to travel around the country for leisure purposes.
The latest government announcement comes less than a week since the government advised against all but essential travel to Spain. This, combined with a rising number of cases across Europe and the UK, could see holidaymakers deciding to skip their holiday altogether, Ben further added.
