British tourism 'can benefit from recession'

People planning stag nights or weekend trips away this year are expected to stay closer to home as they seek to save money in light of the ongoing credit crunch, it has been claimed.

According to the Local Government Association (LGA), the recession provides an ideal opportunity for tourist hotspots and attractions across Britain to attract visitors who would usually head overseas.

The weakness of the pound against the euro, together with the overall impact of the economic downturn on travel budgets, means people are looking for cost-effective holidays that won't break the bank.

A spokesperson for the LGA said: "Councils are aware that there are opportunities within the domestic tourism industry, both to help local people save money and have a holiday without it costing the earth."

She added that the UK still has plenty to offer, with a wide variety of cities and attractions, as well as relatively unspoiled countryside locations.

The downturn could encourage stag parties to ditch plans to hit traditional European destinations like Prague and opt instead to sample the nightlife of UK cities such as Nottingham stag, Bristol or Brighton.

Those who do so are likely to save on flight costs, as well as avoiding unfavourable exchange rates, perhaps leaving more money to be spent behind the bar.