Brits to get cheap train tickets and discounted tourist attractions this year in boost for UK holidays
FAMILIES wanting a UK holiday this year will be able to get cheap train tickets and entry tickets to tourist attractions.
A new scheme being launched by the government hopes to encourage UK holidays and help the tourism industry recover following the pandemic.
The new rail scheme will be similar to the BritRail pass, which lets international visitors have unlimited train travel in Britain within their chosen zones and duration.
Those passes, which also provide discounted entry to tourism attractions, range in cost from £96 for two consecutive days to £568 for a whole month, according to retailer Trainline.
The Tourism Recovery Plan also includes a £10 million scheme involving National Lottery players who will be able claim vouchers which can be redeemed at tourist sites across the UK between September 2021 and March 2022.
This is to encourage trips beyond the peak summer season, the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) said.
Further details of the rail pass and lottery vouchers will be announced at a later date.
The measures aim to bring domestic and inbound tourism back to pre-pandemic levels by 2022 and 2023 respectively, which is at least one year earlier than some estimates.
Tourism minister Nigel Huddleston said: "The Tourism Recovery Plan is our blueprint for how the sector can build back better from the pandemic, even faster than forecasts predict.
"It's been a challenging year for the tourism sector, especially for our cities, but I know they stand ready to welcome visitors back and I encourage everyone to rediscover the UK's fantastic tourism offer."
The Government will also consult on introducing a registration scheme for tourist accommodation in England, which would include hotels, B&Bs and short-term rentals such as those booked through Airbnb.
This is to give a better understanding of what accommodation is available across the country.
With fears that holidays abroad may not be back on until August, many families are choosing to holiday in the UK again this summer.
Most read in News Travel
This has led to soaring demand and prices, with a week in Cornwall triple the price of a week in Spain.
We've found the best swimming pool staycation deals from just £149pp, or hotels you can book which have outdoor swimming pools.
Some seaside holidays are still a bargain - with Whistable being found as the best value holiday - with holiday park deals from £119pp.