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Bank Holiday Surge: A Boon for Tourism Businesses

Bank Holiday Surge: A Boon for Tourism Businesses

James Miller, LocalsRide.com
by 
James Miller, LocalsRide.com
4 minutes read
News
September 01, 2025

Overview of the Bank Holiday Impact

The recent bank holiday proved to be a significant catalyst for tourism businesses in popular regions like Bigbury-On-Sea, Devon, and Cornwall. Holidaymakers flocked to these stunning locations, giving local establishments a much-needed boost right as the summer season waned. Let’s delve into how this surge in visitors benefitted the tourism sector.

A Day at Bigbury-On-Sea

Arriving at Bigbury-On-Sea early in the morning, the vibrant hues of the beach greeted me. As the clock ticked just past 08:00 BST, families were already engaging in various beach activities—children splashing in the water, parents setting up windbreaks to enjoy a day outdoors.

On one of the tourism sector’s most pivotal bank holidays, local businesses were gearing up to receive guests for that “last hurrah” before the end of the school summer holidays.

Local Business Perspectives

Local entrepreneurs such as Annika Connolly, who owns a surf school, expressed optimism about the business environment. She noted that activity had significantly picked up, highlighting how favorable weather and a sense of returning normalcy post-COVID had rejuvenated her business. “It feels like summer again,” she said, reflecting the overall sentiment among local owners.

Tourists Share Their Joy

Visitors were equally enthusiastic about their experiences. Jack Lemon, vacationing in Bigbury-On-Sea from Bristol, articulated, “The beaches here are among the best in the world. With this kind of weather, it’s truly amazing!” Another holidaymaker, Sarah Goodfellow, who had been visiting this area for 25 years, mentioned, “You wouldn’t want to be anywhere else on a day like this. It’s heartening to see many families enjoying their time.” This camaraderie among visitors is crucial for local businesses, fostering an inviting atmosphere.

Parking Woes and Solutions

As the morning progressed, the increase in visitors was tangible—car parks brimmed with vehicles, and overflow spaces in nearby farmer’s fields were enlisted to accommodate the demand. Innovative solutions like these are vital for effectively managing peak tourist influxes. Local owner Cathy Case, who manages a nearby campsite, reiterated how essential such weekends are for tourism operators, remarking on the synergy of good weather, people, and enjoyment.

Industry Insights from Devon and Cornwall

Despite the immediate success seen during the bank holiday, the larger picture shows that Devon and Cornwall’s tourism sector is still on the recovery trail from previous years. Tourism officials have reported strong bookings for the summer, with hopes that numbers will reach or approach pre-pandemic levels. Jon Hyatt, the head of Visit Cornwall, confirmed that there has been a marked improvement in visitor numbers compared to quieter years.

Bude Buzzes with Activity

Next up was Bude, a coastal town that was also thriving. The town’s sea pool was bustling with activity. General manager Deb Rosser remarked, “Bude is buzzing! This summer has been tremendous for local businesses.” Crowds flocking to enjoy the beach and attractions provide not just financial relief but also a sense of community engagement, essential for both tourism and hospitality sectors.

Reflections on the Bank Holiday

The turnout over the bank holiday illustrated the importance of natural beauty and local experiences in attracting visitors. Anne McGuire and Paul Fullman from Manchester remarked on the spacious beaches compared to those in Spain, emphasizing how conditions here create a unique vacation atmosphere. With clear skies and warm weather, they described their day as idyllic—a little slice of paradise.

What’s Next for Tourism?

While this bank holiday offered a temporary boost, its longer-term implications for the tourism landscape remain to be fully seen. Both Devon and Cornwall face challenges in maintaining momentum beyond peak seasons, alongside managing infrastructural demands to meet increased visitor numbers. Understanding changing travel patterns and preferences will be crucial.

Enhancing Travel Experience with LocalsRide

For those looking to experience these attractions or others, utilizing platforms like LocalsRide.com can enhance travel experiences. Users can choose the specific vehicle they want, view detailed information, vehicle ratings, and book in a transparent manner, aiding in making informed decisions while minimizing surprises in costs.

Conclusion

The bank holiday in Devon and Cornwall showcased the significant potential of summoning travel enthusiasts to local hotspots, benefiting tourism with a welcomed influx of visitors. While hurdles remain in sustaining this growth, services like LocalsRide.com help streamline the booking process, providing affordable and diverse options that ensure future trips to these appealing destinations remain enjoyable and hassle-free. The best way to travel with confidence as the landscape of tourism continues to evolve is to stay informed and ready. Start planning your next adventure and secure your worldwide transfer with LocalsRide. LocalsRide.com