Summer staycations: home is where the holiday is this year

But lockdown has taught us even local travel has value, promising just as many pleasures as other parts of the world - apart, admittedly, from the weather.

As restrictions ease at hotels and attractions in the UK and Ireland, it’s likely many holiday-hungry, cooped-up travellers will look to the book a break on home soil this year.

This is certainly the case for Sarah Pickering, 21, and her boyfriend Matthew Kelly, 20.

The young couple who describe themselves as ‘‘active travellers’’ normally visit Europe four or five times a year, but this summer have decided to stay closer to home.

‘‘Coronavirus has firmly put us in our place and we have decided to stay at home this year and plan for future travels,’’ said Sarah from Tobermore, Co Londonderry.

‘‘Our main reason for not travelling to Europe this year is fear of a second wave coming and getting caught up in the middle of it; the travel situation in England is still different to here so the unknown of whether we would have to isolate once returning home is off-putting also in terms of work and money.

‘‘The irregularity of flights is also a downfall with travel at the minute and would prove a hassle to arrange good flight times and therefore we have decided to wait until next year where flights will be more flexible.’’

The pair plan on staying in Enniskillen to visit the Marble Arch caves and Cuilcagh Mountain.

‘‘We would also like to spend a weekend in Newcastle when (and if) the good weather comes. We understand how hard this time must be for holidaymakers so instead of taking day trips to different areas of Northern Ireland, we aim to spend at least one night in each location.’’

However, as Sarah has found, many places are booking up quickly.

‘‘Even in the republic we have found it hard to find availability in the near future. As frustrating this may be for us, it’s definitely a positive to see people willing to help holidaymakers on the island.’’

But Sarah and Mathew haven’t given up all hopes of a foreign trip this year.

‘‘In terms of travelling once this has passed, we hope to visit both Prague and France and hopefully squeeze in some Christmas markets before the end of the year.’’

Ciaran O’Neill, managing director of the award-winning Bishop’s Gate Hotel in Londonderry, believes 2020 will be the year that hotels in Northern Ireland shift from “trying to attract overseas visitors to looking closer to home for their business”.

‘‘Last year, we invested time looking at domestic tourism and how we could sustain and grow that market. This presented a real insight into what local visitors want from a short break, and I’m confident that Bishop’s Gate Hotel can offer people exactly that,’’ said Mr O’Neill.

‘‘We have traditionally performed well in the domestic market, consistently attracting couples who have been interested in getting a short break away and enjoying a good ‘foodie’ experience. Equally our offering appeals to those who are keen to do some shopping and take in a concert at the Millennium Forum. “Being in the heart of the city means we are ideally located for guests to experience ‘Legenderry’.

“Our July bookings show that there is a strong demand from consumers who are keen to book a break away after numerous weeks of lockdown. We’ve also received enquiries from families who are having to change their holiday plans for the summer, and who are trying to determine what availability exists, and what amenities they may be able to access in the local vicinity.

‘‘To tap into this market segment we have tailored our offers and we are currently looking at partnerships with other tourism providers, creating activity packages that encourage families to stay for longer and sample various entertainment options around the city.’’

Tourism NI is urging people to get behind and be part of a campaign aimed at enjoying a short break at home across the summer and into the autumn.

The campaign reminds people that you can have epic fun without the epic trek with so much to discover afresh locally.

From the vibrant city buzz of Belfast and Londonderry to the stunning beauty of the Glens of Antrim and the North Coast to the Orchards of Armagh, the Lakes of Fermanagh and the rugged scenery of Tyrone, local ‘visitors’ are invited to embrace Northern Ireland’s giant spirit.

Tourism NI chief executive John McGrillen said: “We are encouraging local people to see Northern Ireland through the eyes of the millions of tourists who come here for the warmth of the welcome, world class food and drink, the beauty of the landscapes and the immersive experiences on offer.

“The tourism industry has suffered greatly from the effects of the lockdown and as we move into a period of recovery we are sending a very clear message that your favourite places, as well as those yet to be discovered, will benefit greatly from your support.”

Norman McBride, general manager, Ballygally Castle, Co Antrim, said: “For us, August is looking like it is going to be a lot busier.

“I think people wait for the first couple of weeks just to tread carefully and see how it goes. They’ll see how things go, they’ll see if there’s no spike (in corornavirus), and then people might venture a bit more.’’

Mr McBride said most booking enquiries are from the domestic market, but there have been some from mainland UK.

‘‘We have lots of regulars who come from Manchester and they are texting me every week asking when can they come. People are keen to travel, but it just depends on flying and the boats.’’

If travellers do decide to book in what can they expect? “We have your sanitised keys ready for you. We are doing complimentary room service breakfast, so there’s no walking around a buffet breakfast. This has worked well so far, because the most we’ve had is 10 rooms. Going forward that may change a bit. People like the thought of getting a lovely served breakfast to their room while they sit there staring out over the ocean.‘‘

And Mr McBride said as well as the hotel staff enjoying the return of guests, Ballygally’s famous friendly ghost, Lady Isabella, is also happy the doors have re-opened.

“She’s missed the company,” he laughed.