Around 12.5 million UK residents are preparing for a domestic Easter holiday due to concerns about international travel amidst the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. This figure represents a significant increase from the 10.6 million individuals who opted for a staycation last Easter. The surge is expected to contribute approximately £4.8 billion to the tourism sector and the broader economy, as reported by VisitEngland.
The preference for holidaying within the UK far surpasses the number of people planning trips abroad this Easter, estimated at 7.4 million. Among those opting for a staycation, the majority are planning short breaks lasting from one to three nights.
Recent data from VisitEngland’s Trip-Tracker revealed that 28% of respondents expressed concerns about how the Middle East conflict might affect their upcoming travel plans in April and May. The primary worry cited was the potential decrease in disposable income due to the economic repercussions of the conflict, which could lead to increased airfare costs and potential flight disruptions.
In contrast to previous years, the number of individuals planning an Easter staycation in 2025 has significantly risen compared to 2024 and 2023 figures. Additionally, 5.1 million respondents remain undecided about taking an overnight trip within the UK during the Easter weekend, citing financial constraints and uncertainties about the weather as their primary reasons.
However, soaring fuel prices, attributed to the ongoing Iran war, pose a challenge to families planning holidays within the UK. The average cost of unleaded petrol has reached 150p per liter, marking a 17p increase since the conflict began. Diesel prices have seen an even sharper rise, now averaging 176.68p per liter, up by 34p in recent weeks.
Simon Williams, head of policy at RAC, highlighted the impact of these fuel price increases on Easter travel, urging drivers to plan their refueling stops carefully to mitigate costs. The current average prices at motorway service stations stand at 166p for unleaded and 182p for diesel, emphasizing the need for strategic fuel management during long journeys.
Economic pressures extend beyond fuel costs, with families facing additional financial burdens from impending bill hikes in various sectors and potential food price inflation. Despite these challenges, bookings for UK accommodations have shown a positive trend, with more guests opting for domestic holidays over international travel destinations like Dubai.
Tourism Minister Stephanie Peacock emphasized the importance of supporting domestic tourism for local economies, while VisitEngland’s chief executive Patricia Yates encouraged holidaymakers to explore the diverse attractions and experiences available in the UK during the spring season. She highlighted the unique offerings of British destinations and urged travelers to take advantage of the upcoming Easter weekend to create lasting memories.
As discussions around a potential “tourist tax” proposal unfold, concerns have been raised within the hospitality sector about the impact it could have on small businesses, potentially leading to closures. The proposal, spearheaded by the Labour party, seeks to introduce a “visitor levy” on overnight stays, similar to practices in some European countries. Modeling projections suggest that such a levy could result in significant tax increases for holidaymakers and have negative repercussions on the economy by 2030.