Dragons’ Den star Duncan Bannatyne has denied claims that he has been hypocritical about his holiday choices.

The 60-year-old businessman recently filmed scenes for the The Great British Holiday Show, in which he encouraged people to holiday in Britain, he has since flew out to spend summer in his villa in France.

During filming Duncan commented: “People should be holidaying here instead of going abroad.”

Jan Garfield, a Tory councillor for Felixstowe, later claimed that he should be “practising what he preaches”.

A spokesman for the English Tourist Board added: “In England, we can offer history and heritage, world class attractions, fantastic coastal and countryside destinations and unrivalled city breaks, not to mention better value with the current exchange rate… why would you want to tweet about anywhere else?”

Responding to his critics, Bannatyne told the Daily Express: “The concept of the show is for me to bring my business knowledge to seaside resorts so that they can learn how to improve their offerings in such a hard financial climate.

“I’m not saying people should only holiday in Britain, but there is no doubt that people are looking for cheaper options right now and we have some really wonderful resorts here, as well as on the continent.”

He added: “As for my house in France, I was lucky enough to buy it years ago, long before the recession. I make full use of it and enjoy it as anyone else would.”