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.

If you know you Latin from your Ballroom, your Cha Cha from your Tango, you’ll be keen to hear that two of Strictly Come Dancing’s top stars Anton Du Beke and Erin Boag are putting on a performance at the Congress Theatre in Eastbourne this February.

If you missed the sell-out tour last year be quick to book now – and while you’re at it, book some handily-placed accommodation in Eastbourne, such as the suitably chic hotel Guesthouse East on Hartington Place. Double suites are only £70 per night mid-week in February so dust off the DJ and polish the patent leather. Check availability.

Chill wind, frost-bitten fingers, a precarious ledge and vertigo. A great combination. Hotelier life in Eastbourne with a Grade II-listed property is nothing if not rock ‘n roll – a spot of pointing above a window bay has been the crescendo of the morning after seamlessly adopting the roles of cleaner, financial analyst, website optimiser and bookeeper. And a nice sounding chap is on his way round to look at a suite so I’d better get my customer-facing head back on, dust myself down and look vaguely presentable.

Given that I must be on about 37p an hour (if I if I did the maths) I should make myself available for contracts – the minimum wage sounds VERY appealing…..

Given the amount of mouthfuls I swallow on every swim it’s just as well – the sea on Eastbourne’s main beachfront has been upgraded from ‘Good’ in 2008 to ‘Excellent’ this year. And that’s despite the increased numbers if all those ‘staycationers’ enjoying the homegrown sea air and fine views rather than skipping over to the med.
All we need now is for the clouds to clear, winds to drop temperatures to soar and we can put our cossies on and skip over the road for a quick dip!