Hen and Stag Celebrations Return to the UK

LONDON - New research from Virgin Trains reveals the UK is the 2009 pre-wedding hot spot. It’s easy to see why when the average Brit spends GBP90.79*on a UK stag/hen party compared to GBP170 abroad**.

The leading West Coast rail provider has found that when it comes to hen and stag celebrations there is certainly a marked difference between the sexes - men spend more! On average men fork out GBP119.78 on a UK stag compared to GBP75.56 spent by women. Londoners, however, spend on average GBP164.96 per celebration - almost twice the national average. Other extravagant spenders include those from Bristol and Leeds with the most frugal attendees coming from Edinburgh and Northampton.

Overall London tops the list of preferred hen/stag do destinations (24%) followed by Manchester (14%) and Birmingham (11%) with the least favoured locations being Sheffield, Belfast, Plymouth and Norwich.

Other interesting facts:

- Men are 2 1/2 times more likely to start drinking on the journey (13% vs 5%) - Almost a fifth of Brits make a pact not to reveal what happened on a stag/hen do (17%) - 11% of respondents say they have experienced someone getting naked as have been on a cultural trip during a stag/hen do - 30% of Brits feel that the journey is key for getting in the mood for the party and 22% use it to get to know each other

To offer a helping hand to UK stags and hens UK Virgin Trains is this month launching a brand new ‘large group’ package. From Monday 22nd June there will be new levels of fares, across both standard and first class, for groups of 10 people or more.

Says Jim Rowe, Senior Communications Manager Virgin Trains, “In a difficult economic climate it is not surprising that people are choosing not to travel abroad so much for their stag and hen parties. There is something for everyone in the UK and with the Virgin Trains new West Coast timetable now in place with more frequent off peak services and cheap tickets, travelling by train really is the ideal option. Additionally, if tickets are booked well in advance of departure date they are less expensive so you may even be able to take advantage of the brand new menu in first class!”

* Tickbox June 2009

** Hotels.com 2008

For further information please contact Sophie Lennon or Mindy Bhachu at The SPA Way on +44-(0)20-7403-6900 or email mindy.bhachu@thespaway.com

Source: Virgin Trains

For further information please contact Sophie Lennon or Mindy Bhachu at The SPA Way on +44-(0)20-7403-6900 or email mindy.bhachu at thespaway.com