Britons could be forgiven for thinking the doom and gloom of 2009 has been a cloud without a silver lining. However, with an unprecedented number opting to stay at home this summer, in a strange way it could seem that the UK has feathered its own nest. The rise of the "staycation", a word that has only this year come into common parlance, has led to more money being pumped into domestic cultural activities which has led to an unexpected renaissance in the middle of a downturn.
As the year draws to a close, the Ambassador Theatre Group's president announced it had splashed out a further 90 million this expanding its catalogue of theatres from 23 to 39. Similar sounds were being made by the CEO of the Really Useful Group, Mr Andre Ptaszynski who commented; "I'm 56 and I can't remember a better time". He has good reason to be pleased with Love Never Dies achieving not just critical acclaim but comfortably turning over a profit as well.
Around the country too the National Trust has reported increased demand for its attractions. North Nofolk's famous country houses boasted record figures as tourists opted for domestic summers. Ray Sandham, Manager at Felbrigg Hall put it down to the staycation summer saying "A lot of it has been down to the staycation and people not travelling that far and they see the Trust as fantastic value. I think that perhaps the recession will have an effect next year or the year after and things will get more difficult, but we are always trying to beat targets".
The strongest region for the Trust was without doubt was the North East. Their regional director commented "As it turns out, we have had a bumper season. What has happened is that Britons are exploring their own country again." Paid National Trust attractions in the area brought in over one hundred thousand more visitors year on year, which will accordingly bring much more revenue to the institution which is so important in guarding Britain's cultural heritage.
The Art Fund has given further cause for optimism with their review of over 250 art galleries and museums. The research demonstrated that over 60% of such institutions had experienced an increase in people through the doors.
While domestic travel saw a huge leap, overseas visits fell by almost 9%. However, many institutions have reported a rise in the foreign visitors to their attractions, as it seemed that the decline was caused by business rather than leisure travellers.
Robin Brooke, Director of Alva, an organisation made up of many of Britain's most famous tourist attractions commented "It is most reassuring to see that the staycation trend predicted by Alva's members has translated into profitable business as it is vital for Britain that our tourism industry thrives, allowing it to maintain employment opportunities across all skill levels and to provide economic growth."
As we go into 2010 it seems that the recession will not lead to a huge cut in cultural activities in the UK and may paradoxically lead to improved services.
As the year draws to a close, the Ambassador Theatre Group's president announced it had splashed out a further 90 million this expanding its catalogue of theatres from 23 to 39. Similar sounds were being made by the CEO of the Really Useful Group, Mr Andre Ptaszynski who commented; "I'm 56 and I can't remember a better time". He has good reason to be pleased with Love Never Dies achieving not just critical acclaim but comfortably turning over a profit as well.
Around the country too the National Trust has reported increased demand for its attractions. North Nofolk's famous country houses boasted record figures as tourists opted for domestic summers. Ray Sandham, Manager at Felbrigg Hall put it down to the staycation summer saying "A lot of it has been down to the staycation and people not travelling that far and they see the Trust as fantastic value. I think that perhaps the recession will have an effect next year or the year after and things will get more difficult, but we are always trying to beat targets".
The strongest region for the Trust was without doubt was the North East. Their regional director commented "As it turns out, we have had a bumper season. What has happened is that Britons are exploring their own country again." Paid National Trust attractions in the area brought in over one hundred thousand more visitors year on year, which will accordingly bring much more revenue to the institution which is so important in guarding Britain's cultural heritage.
The Art Fund has given further cause for optimism with their review of over 250 art galleries and museums. The research demonstrated that over 60% of such institutions had experienced an increase in people through the doors.
While domestic travel saw a huge leap, overseas visits fell by almost 9%. However, many institutions have reported a rise in the foreign visitors to their attractions, as it seemed that the decline was caused by business rather than leisure travellers.
Robin Brooke, Director of Alva, an organisation made up of many of Britain's most famous tourist attractions commented "It is most reassuring to see that the staycation trend predicted by Alva's members has translated into profitable business as it is vital for Britain that our tourism industry thrives, allowing it to maintain employment opportunities across all skill levels and to provide economic growth."
As we go into 2010 it seems that the recession will not lead to a huge cut in cultural activities in the UK and may paradoxically lead to improved services.
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