Apparently UK tourism is set to be one of the few sectors to benefit from the recession, with 70% of people ready to book a holiday in the UK this year.

We’ve all been there – fractious children and frustrated parents stranded in airport lounges, disillusioned with the ‘glamour’ of air travel and, when coupled with a weak pound, it perhaps shouldn’t be surprising to hear that 39% are now considering to spend their main 2010 holiday here in the UK, up 10% on last year.  

The Guesthouse East, the boutique but family friendly hotel in Eastbourne, should be well placed since it is families who are likely to be at the heart of the ‘staycation’ boom. It is those with children who are more likely to target self catering accommodation and coastal resorts. Just as well, then, that The Guesthouse East is just 50m from the sea front in Eastbourne and that each suite has a separate kitchen with self-catering facilities and large bedroom, often with an extra futon or sofa bed for children. And when mum doesn’t fancy spending any more time in the kitchen bed and breakfast is always available.

Check availability and book or give us a ring 01323 722774 to find out more.

I think it’s quite telling that we don’t have a single guest staying here this weekend who’s visiting the Eastbourne Beer Festival. We even have a room free tonight for goodness sake (a rarity on a Friday night). Compare that with the next two weeks when we’re packed to the rafters with members of the Rotary Club, a cinematic production team and runners primed like coiled springs for the Beachy Head marathon. So does that mean we attract creative altruistic fitness fiends? Who’ll be running before breakfast with collection tins whilst wearing King Kong outfits?

Flicking through the Sunday Times this morning has confirmed why Eastbourne’s remained busy despite the recession – an article highlights that millions of Britons have shunned foreign holidays this year for a ‘staycation summer’. A YouGov poll also suggests that it’ll remain busy for a while yet, with 54% planning to take their main holiday in the UK next year as well. Only 11% said they will head overseas next year instead.
The good news is that half the respondents found Britain offered friendly service. ‘The more people experience holidays in the UK, the more people seem to like them’ said Peter Kellner, president of YouGov.

There’s also the ‘microclimate-effect ‘- Michael fish, the former BBC weatherman and resident of Eastbourne, points out that Eastbourne’s ‘year-round sunshine’ and temperate climate is due to the fact it is sheltered by the 600ft cliffs of Beachy Head.