The Coach Tourism Council (CTC), the industry body representing coach holiday companies around the UK, surveyed members on trends in coach travel in 2010 and 2011, and the message is clear. The ‘staycation’ is here to stay.

Coaching mirrored the domestic travel trend in 2010 with almost half of operators saying UK-based coach tours had performed better than in 2009.

In the last quarter of 2010, 32% of operators experienced an increase on holidays taken within the UK compared to those taken in 2009. They also experienced a drop in tours taken to Europe.

Sean Taggart, Chairman, Coach Tourism Council, says this pattern is a reflection of the increased value of the euro which hits spend on the continent, as well as an increase in awareness in what is offered on UK soil.

“The breadth of tours we offer across the UK on Findacoahholiday.com is exceptional, and the increased attention on the UK has led operators to introduce new, even more exciting coach itineraries.”

The trend is predicted to continue, with 48% of Council members predicting a rise in UK holiday bookings this year.

Overall, operators are optimistic for 2011, with more than 70% saying bookings would increase or at minimum continue at the same rate despite VAT increases.