"Calderdale could well see a welcome boost" - Travel experts say borough could benefit from increase in staycations

The current conflict in the Middle East means fewer people are choosing to holiday abroad, due to the uncertainty over air travel and rising costs.

And travel agents believe that could result in more holidaymakers opting to come and see what Calderdale has to offer.

Katie Butler, owner of Total Travel, which has a branch in Brighouse, says customers are definitely thinking a little bit harder as to where they want to travel to this year because of the situation in the Middle East.

“It is not panic but a bit of uncertainty,” Katie said.

“We have seen the definite shift to Spain and Portugal but also people looking a bit closer to home.

“As an independent travel agent in the heart of West Yorkshire we have noticed some shift in conversations and have heard ‘Have you got owt nice in the UK?’ a lot more often than we usually would have.

“Of course, our customers have not fallen out of love with holidays abroad, they haven't, but we have noticed appreciation for keeping things simple, familiar and more guaranteed.

“That’s where places like Calderdale come into their own. We have always known it’s a proper gem, but perhaps this year it might get bit more of the spotlight it deserves.

“With its rolling hills, stunning walks, market towns and that proper Yorkshire character, it offers exactly what some people may be after right now – space to breathe, a slower pace and something that feels authentic.

“Maybe a few days exploring Hebden Bridge, a wander through Halifax, or a stay in a cosy countryside cottage could be just the ticket. And let’s be honest, when the sun does make an appearance, there’s nowhere finer.

“With the cost of living an added factor, an overseas holiday may become every other year as opposed to every year and it could well mean more visitors discovering what we are blessed with right here on our doorstep, and yes Calderdale could well see a welcome boost.”

Roger Benn owns Benchmark Travel, a travel agency and tour operator based in Mytholmroyd, that celebrates 25 years in business next year.

“The current situation in the Middle East has definitely caused some headaches for the travel industry and of course all those people who had their travel plans affected,” Roger said.

“A recent agreement by the airlines to be able to cover flights for each other's passengers, so they can swop to airlines not flying through the Middle East, had meant that hopefully no-one is still stuck where they don't want to be as they tried to return to the UK.

“It's also meant that those soon to travel to other far flung parts of the world now have similar options.

“This situation has meant a slow down in bookings for what is normally one of our busiest times of the year, as people wait to see how things transpire.

“However some people need to get holiday dates in their diaries, so they have been looking at shorter flights to destinations in Europe away from the conflict areas or turning to UK staycations as an alternative.

“Sadly the price differences are not too different but nevertheless some people are happy to forego guaranteed sunshine and instead go for the guaranteed safety of a holiday in the British Isles.

“This should translate into an increase in visitors to Calderdale, particularly if the conflict continues towards the school summer holiday period.

“We've already seen increases ourselves for enquiries about availability at UK holiday parks and lodges, coach tours, around Britain cruises and even boating holidays and canal cruises.

“Let's just hope that the weather does its bit in 2026 so that the UK becomes a solid alternative to going abroad in the future and that prices don't get to out of hand with the fuel crisis.”