The Big Idea:
Per this survey report just released by Travelzoo, although 33% of Brits are planning half-term breaks this month (October 2016), 22% say they're avoiding some European destinations.
Other findings:
- 26% of respondents said they have observed extra security measures when traveling this year.
- 54% said they are willing to undergo further security checks to improve security
- 46% would submit to fingerprinting or retina scanning.
- 28% would accept longer queues and delays if security would be improved.
- Spain is the top overseas destination this half-term, Canada and Australia tied at #2, France #3.
- 41% said they are actively avoiding destinations impacted by terrorist attacks - North Africa most often mentioned.
- 34% said they are more likely to holiday in the UK.
- 11% said they are more likely to book an all-inclusive package tour to Europe in order to get best value from unstable GBP.
- Zika virus is a concern for some non-European destinations.
- Bookings for the October half-term are "fairly stable" but there's "definitely concern" about Christmas and February half-terms.
Methodology:
2003 UK consumers completed an online questionnaire. Additional input in regard to travel intentions in the next 6 months was obtained from UK trade partners and their clients.
If Travelzoo's trade partners are prescient about Christmas and February, anyone depending heavily on visits from British tourists had best have a contingency plan for Winter 2016-2017.
