The regional UK cities of Edinburgh, Bath, Oxford, Glasgow, Cardiff and Cambridge experienced double-digit percentage growth in bookings in 2018, according to isango!s internal booking data.
Across the UK, bookings by British travellers to UK regional experiences increased by 13%. The upward trend in Brits exploring regional towns was also observed by City Cruises, which saw growth across its York and Poole operations.
While Brits booking to London went down by 39%, the city has experienced a solid growth from international visitors with Asia travellers up 7% year on year and US customers increasing by 35%.
The regional cities in the UK that experienced the fastest growth include ? Bath: 110%, Edinburgh: 24%, and Oxford: 22%.
Dharmesh Garala, head of digital at isango!, said: ?London has experienced a number of negative events over the last couple years, from train strikes to protests, that may have deterred those living outside of London to visit. TV also plays a pivotal role in influencing travellers and TV shows like Games of Thrones has inspired people to travel to Northern Ireland, while Downton Abbey motivates Brits to visit the country?s stately homes, which we believe has contributed to the growth in regional tourism.?
Kyle Haughton, managing director, City Cruises, said: ?The London Attractions Forum has hit the ground running and we are excited to see how London & Partners will support their partners through the promotion of the city. There are also growth opportunities for the Capital?s tourism businesses in the M25 radius, if we encouraged a further 5% of Londoners to visit a London attraction or experience it could boost the capital?s coffers by at least ?4million.
?Our York and Poole operations have also been flourishing and our objective moving forward will be to see consistent growth in all three city destinations.?
