STAYCATIONS, visitors from the USA and tech-savvy travellers are helping to boost tourism in Cumbria and the Lake District, says an online travel company.

The latest report from the Expedia Group says hoteliers saw "excellent growth" in April, May and June this year, compared to the same period last year.

Traveller demand grew by more than 20 per cent, with most visitors staying for almost two nights on average and booking 40 nights or less in advance.

The number of visitors from the USA soared by almost 40 per cent, while the staycation trend among domestic holidaymakers increased by 15 per cent from 2018.

"The tourism boom was triggered by the Lake District becoming a World Heritage Site," said Expedia, "joining iconic locations such as the Taj Mahal, the Great Barrier Reef and Grand Canyon."

The American travel company said there was "strong growth among today’s tech-savvy generation of travellers" with more than 30 per cent of inquiries made via mobile phones and tablets. Brits took the lead with 20 per cent growth of mobile usage compared to 2018.

The Expedia Group's director of market management for the UK and Ireland, Krishan Kadodwala, said: “Our data proves the Lake District is still a much-loved destination, particularly for domestic travellers seeking staycations during the Easter period and early summer, perhaps to immerse their families in nature and spectacular scenery.

“As the new Government-backed tourism action zone aims to grow the industry in the county, we expect tourism in the Lake District to thrive and accommodation providers will need to ensure they meet the increasing demand. We’ll continue to work closely with our lodging partners in this region to supply them with all the tools they need to achieve this.”