Brexit? We’ll still travel, say Brits

MOST of the major companies and organizations in Britain’s tourism industries want the country to remain a member of the European Union (EU). They claim that leaving would hit the travel trade by making people think twice before booking holidays abroad. But a survey* by HolidayExtras.com suggests that their fears might be unfounded. The survey found that a British vote to leave the EU would not deter holidaymakers from travelling. Regardless of a potential increase in flight costs, the majority of Brits would not be discouraged from going on holiday abroad, with 37 percent stating they would travel to destinations within the EU whatever the costs, and a further 31 per cent claiming that if flight costs increased as a result of a Brexit, they would choose to venture to non-EU destinations. 

When asked about the potential rise in plane ticket costs as a result of a vote to leave the EU, the survey revealed that 46 percent of Brits don’t see why it would make a difference, with a further four percent claiming they could afford any increase, and three percent convinced that it would affect businesses more than consumers.

When questioned on other factors that might be affected by a British exit, 72 percent of travellers explained that they would not be concerned if their European Health Insurance Card was deemed invalid. Almost half of Brits (49 percent) said they take out travel insurance anyway, so it would make no difference to them, four percent have never understood what the EHIC is for, and 19 percent said they’ve never needed it anyway. It seems that changes to mobile phone roaming charges aren’t a concern for Brits either, as almost half of travellers are not concerned with the potential hike in costs.

Communications Director at Holiday Extras, Ant Clarke-Cowell explains: “Despite all the headlines regarding the implications that a Brexit would have, it appears that British holidaymakers have no concerns about how it might impact their travel plans. Many seem to believe that it’s businesses that would pay the price if we left the EU, and our poll implies that Brits are prepared to holiday whatever the cost. Over half claimed they had no concerns that a Brexit could increase flight prices, and almost three quarters have no qualms about the prospect of their EHIC being rendered invalid.;

*Holiday Extras polled more than 2,000 holidaymakers from across the UK in March 2016.

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