The Institute of British Geographer's Conference: South-east and North take the lead in foreign holidays
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.PEOPLE in south-east and northern England take more foreign package holidays than those in other regions of Britain, the conference was told.
The South-east and the North - Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear, Co Durham and Cleveland - are the only regions whose share of the number of Britons holidaying abroad exceeds their share of the total population.
London and South-east accounted for 31 per cent of the population, but 40 per cent of overseas holidaymakers. The North had 8 per cent of the population, but 9 per cent of holidaymakers. Least willing to head for foreign shores appear to be West Midlanders - the region has 8.8 per cent of the population, but 6.6 per cent of holidaymakers.
Research by Reece Andrew, of Luton College of Higher Education, showed steady growth in the inclusive tour market since 1969, corresponding with a growth in real disposable incomes and continuing through fluctuations in unemployment levels.
Plateaux in that growth related to economic downturns, for example in 1973, before a peak at more than 11 million trips abroad in 1989-90. The decline since then was due to the economic slump in the South-east.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments