SIDMOUTH businesses could be set for a tourism boost this weekend as an estimated 11.9 Britons will take a break within the UK.

SIDMOUTH businesses could be set for a tourism boost this weekend as an estimated 11.9 Britons will take a break within the UK.

Figures released by VisitEngland estimate that 11.9 million people will make the most of the last bank holiday of the summer by taking a trip in the U.K over the bank holiday period.

The annual survey shows that 29% of the population will be taking a trip of one night or more somewhere in the world, no change from 2008, but up from 25% in 2007.

The U.K will get the lion's share of holiday-makers, 4 in 5 of those taking a break will be staying in Great Britain compared to only 1 in 5 going overseas.

Results over the last three years suggest an increasing preference for breaks closer to home; the share of overseas trips on this particular bank holiday weekend has fallen by 10% since 2007.

England will welcome the most visitors this bank holiday period with 20% (9.9 million) of the population planning trips within the country.

James Berresford, Chief Executive of VisitEngland said he is delighted to see that the numbers so far this year are stacking up well.

'All of our research so far this year and anecdotal evidence from the industry confirm that Britons are indeed rediscovering the joys of holidaying at home in 2009.

'We are confident that once people are reminded of what England has to offer, be it a culture-vulture break to one of our great cities; a visit to a seaside resort; or a relaxing rural escape - they will realise England has got everything that overseas breaks can offer and more.'