Borough to tempt holiday-makers

The borough boasts 27 parks, heritage sites and panoramic views of London

A north London borough is promoting itself as a new holiday destination for British travellers during the recession as part of a new campaign.

Harrow Council wants to encourage British families to take 'staycations' in the north-west London borough.

Attractions include excellent parks, restaurants and heritage sites, the campaign boasts.

Domestic overnight tourists in Harrow fell from £36m in 2004 to £23m between 2005 and 2006.

Low-cost flights

"Although we know lots of people enjoy taking low-cost flights and cheap holidays abroad, we hope to encourage some Brits to upgrade to a better experience and take a holiday or 'staycation' in Harrow," said councillor Marilyn Ashton.

"As well as offering 'unlimited legroom' in our expansive green belt and many parks and excellent restaurants, we also want to promote our heritage attractions such as the RAF Museum at Bentley Priory."

She added: "We want to make people's lives better during the credit crunch by offering local holidays with all the frills included such as unlimited legroom but with no strings attached."

Average spend for tourism day trips to London is approximately £28.50.

Of the 130 million tourism day trips taken in London each year, over 95 million are taken by Londoners and 68% of day trips by Londoners are to London.