The UK city breaks market has fluctuated over recent years, in line with the overall demand for domestic breaks. However, UK city breaks have become an integral part of the British way of life as busy lifestyles have led to the increased demand for shorter breaks.

Domestic breaks still form the majority of trips made by UK residents. However, in recent years, the influx of low-cost airlines as well as the proliferation of value-for-money overseas packages has stripped demand for UK holidays. The market’s dependence on the erratic British weather has also made it vulnerable to fluctuations in demand.

Nonetheless, increased dependence on the Internet to purchase travel products, particularly accommodation and flights, is also facilitating domestic city break holidays amongst British consumers. Meanwhile, the emergence of ‘urban tourism’ has provided a much-needed economic boost to cities in the UK, providing local governments with the incentive and financial means to regenerate and revitalise city centres through cultural and community-based initiatives.

A UK city break is defined as a trip of more than one night, which involves the majority of the stay in one or more cities within the UK. Characteristically the city break is often one to three nights, which also makes it a short break. Whilst not all short breaks are city breaks, analysis of the short break market also gives a good indication of future trends for the city break market.

The city break for this report refers only to the leisure market and does not include business trips. Only domestic city breaks are included in the report.

Also considered is the inclusive tour market, which includes both pre-booked transportation and accommodation, usually arranged through one operator and sold at an inclusive price. Other elements or activities may also be included in the package, such as car hire or city tours. An independent holiday is planned and booked as individual elements by the holidaymaker, often direct with the supplier, and often from separate sources.