STAY-AT-HOME holidaymakers are giving South Wales tourism businesses the perfect recession tonic.

Home-grown tourism is booming as families opt to stay in the UK, rather than fork out on expensive holidays abroad.

Campsites and hotels are already filling up for the Easter break and there is optimism for the spring and summer.

Keith Eaton, aged 50, from the Winston Hotel in Bishopston, Swansea, said: "We've had loads of advance bookings for Easter, far more than the last couple of years. We must be up by about 50 per cent."

It is a similar story on campsites in Gower, as families make the most of the natural beauty on their own doorsteps and are happy to gamble on the notoriously unpredictable Welsh weather.

Emma Rogers, aged 42, from Kennexstone Camping and Touring Park, said: "We've got a lot of families camping for the first time this year, and sales are definitely up. But you can't predict the British weather, so we're just hoping for plenty of sun."

The strength of the euro has made holidaying abroad more expensive than last year.

Coupled with the fact people are tightening their belts generally, either because they have lost their jobs, or fear losing them, it could mean a bumper spring and summer for tourism operators here.

Roger Button, of Hillend Caravan and Camping Park, said: "I know a couple who go to France every year, but they just can't afford it this year, so they're staying in Wales. The strength of the euro made travelling to France too expensive."

Katherine Moodie, aged 32, from the Stradey Park Hotel, Llanelli, said: "It's been better than ever as far as accommodation goes — it's really picked up. We're even getting people coming from abroad. South Wales is definitely becoming more desirable."