The number of Britons choosing to holiday in their own country rose sharply last year, figures show.

UK residents made 60.7 million holiday trips in the UK in 2009 - a rise of 17 per cent on the 2008 total, figures from the VisitEngland organisation show.

During these trips - covering all visits including at least one overnight stay - UK residents spent £12.61 billion - an 11 per cent rise on the 2008 total. The UK figures included an 18 per cent rise to 47.3 million in the number of holiday trips taken in England and a 13 per cent rise in spending to £9.74 billion.

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