Cuts to red tape to make great British staycations cheaper

8 Apr 2025 11:05 AM

Consultation aims to cut costs of UK staycations for families and small businesses.

• New plans to help UK tourism businesses offer better deals and value-for-money packages
• Plan for Change to cut outdated regulations will allow hotels, attractions, and restaurants to collaborate more easily
• Families planning their summer holidays will have more choice, better prices, and greater convenience

The UK’s travel industry is set for a boost as the Government unveils plans to cut red tape as part of its Plan for Change, and make it easier for businesses to offer package deals, giving consumers better value and supporting growth across the tourism sector.

The measures being looked at in a consultation, could remove barriers that currently prevent small businesses including B&Bs and restaurants from working together to create tailored UK holiday experiences. The measures if implemented, could boost the travel sector and help grow the staycation economy right across the country.

The proposals will support the domestic travel market to go for growth by giving families and travellers more affordable, flexible, and convenient options for their staycations.

The proposed measures will make it easier for businesses to bundle offers together, helping hotels, attractions, and restaurants team up to provide exclusive deals.

• For example, a B&B in the Lake District that may not be able to offer dinner, could team up with a nearby restaurant or pub to offer a discount on an evening meal when purchased together with the room booking.
• Or a campsite in Cornwall could be able to offer discounts and deals for the local surf school.
• But it could also apply to trips in towns and cities too, with tourists staying in a London-based hotel could offer discounted show tickets when they refer a consumer who has booked a room with them.

It will aim to support businesses through measures like setting a time limit for third parties to provide redress to organisers and improving the flexibility of insolvency protection provisions for non-flight packages.

For UK holidaymakers, these changes will give families better staycation options to help them plan summer holidays. Instead of booking everything separately, these measures would make it easier for consumers to access tailored packages that combine great accommodation with exciting local experiences.

Minister for Employment Rights, Competition and Markets, Justin Madders, yesterday said:

“Right now, a British hotel, local attraction, and restaurant can’t offer a joint deal without jumping through regulatory hoops - and that’s frankly ridiculous. As part of our Plan for Change, we’re fixing that.

“These common-sense changes will help small businesses, boost British tourism, and give families more choice when booking a staycation. More options, better value, and a stronger UK economy.”

 The 12 week consultation will seek input from businesses and industry leaders on how best to implement these reforms.