According to a Travelzoo survey, just 3 percent of British travelers are canceling summer trips because of Brexit concerns, and 37 percent still intend to travel to mainland Europe. Spain and France are the top European choices, while the United States is the most popular destination outside Europe. Interest in all-inclusive holidays is also rising among British travelers.
Joel Brandon-Bravo, Travelzoo’s travel commentator and managing director for the United Kingdom, described the reaction as positive but warned that uncertainty must be resolved quickly. “The stoic British spirit has prevailed and it’s encouraging to see people continue with their holiday plans. However, we urge the UK government to act quickly to clarify visa arrangements and any other changes affecting travel,” he said. “If action is slow and tourism becomes a lower priority, British holidaymakers could face more expensive overseas trips and we could see a decline in travel.”
Brandon-Bravo stressed the need for clear negotiations about the UK’s future role in the European Common Aviation Area. Without that clarity, travelers could face reduced competition, fewer routes and higher fares. “Action is needed now,” he added, recommending that consumers consider booking soon. A weaker pound may not immediately translate into higher prices for flights and cruises, but a sustained lower currency is likely to push costs up over time.
Following the Brexit vote, 9 percent of British travelers expressed concern that they might be treated negatively by locals while abroad, yet 81 percent said Brexit would not deter their desire to travel. Nearly half (47 percent) expect travel costs to rise in the months and years ahead, with particular concern for travel insurance and increased mobile roaming fees.