AN “EXTRAORDINARY” surge in demand for holiday accommodation in Suffolk will provide an estimated �5million boost to the county's economy this year.

AN “EXTRAORDINARY” surge in demand for holiday accommodation in Suffolk will provide an estimated �5million boost to the county's economy this year.

Tourism bosses are optimistic as forward bookings for self catering cottages during the summer season have seen a boost compared with last year.

Tourism is worth �1.6billion to the Suffolk economy and one holiday lettings company, Suffolk Secrets, predict an extra �5million will be generated as a result of the boom this year.

James Ellis, marketing director, said: “This year we are expecting more than 23,000 visitors to stay in the 250 properties we represent.

“Overseas bookings at Suffolk Secrets have tripled compared to the same period in 2008.”

Alex Paul, tourism manager at Choose Suffolk Tourism Partnership, said the busy Bank Holiday weekend was a positive indicator that Suffolk tourism was booming.

He said: “Like for like business is up on last year and it is looking very positive.

“People have been used to great exchange rates and cheap and frequent flights abroad, so cheap weekend breaks in Europe were very accessible and easy.

“But the barriers to foreign trips are stronger now, flights are more expensive and not as frequent and the exchange rates are no longer in our favour so people are reassessing their options.”

Mr Paul said while it was difficult to put an exact figure on the extra revenue, local businesses will directly benefit from more people visiting the region.