Joel Brandon-Bravo, UK managing director of Travelzoo:
“Following confirmation of a win for the Leave vote, the next 24 months of negotiations will be crucial for #British #travel – particularly if the UK Government wants to maintain in-bound tourism from the European Union and avoid a price hike for Britons wanting to travel abroad for holidays.
Obviously top priority is dealing with the impact the referendum result will have on the value of the pound, but there are other factors that could make the result a big blow for the travel industry. As such, we’re now urging the government to act quickly to re-negotiate how an independent UK operates in The European Common Aviation Area. UK airlines seem unanimous in the opinion that a #Brexit will lead to reduced competition, reduced routes, and higher travel prices.
Other factors now up for negotiation include the loss of the EHIC card – which gives EU members the right to health treatment in any EU country – a potential increase in phone roaming charges following a recent EU initiative cap on charges, and changes to visa regulations for Britons travelling to the EU.
With so many variables in play, it’s difficult to predict the exact impact the Leave vote will have on the tourism industry, but research suggests it will be a negative one. In order to ensure UK travellers and the UK tourism industry do not suffer as we enter the busiest months for travel, the British government has got to enter negotiations with Brussels immediately over the EU policy which impacts travel.”
“The referendum result will throw the spotlight onto many benefits British travellers have taken for granted for years, including the agreements which created the environment for the budget airlines to thrive and kept airfares low across the board and encouraged the free movement of people, a currency deal that has made the Eurozone so cheap to visit for years, the end of mobile data roaming charges, and free healthcare within the EU.
Nobody could predict the outcome of the referendum, and we now face an uncertain future of speculation and re-negotiation. Those who have thought ahead and conducted thorough scenario planning for this eventuality are those who are best placed to navigate this new pathway – although we fear few will have done so given today’s shocked reactions.
Holidaymakers shouldn’t assume that Brexit means all that will be lost. The UK travel market is vital to the economy of many European countries and regions. It will be in their interests to seek ways to maintain the status quo. The government must now work hard to secure deals with the EU that support our vibrant industry and we believe maximum effort will be going in from all sides in the coming months and years to ensure the UK cash cow isn’t put out to pasture.
Some holidaymakers will be deterred from booking by the falling pound, but the British traveller has proven time and time again that nothing will stand in the way of them having their hard-earned holiday.”
“Despite any exit from Europe taking two years or more to really happen, the biggest effect we will see in the short term is currency fluctuation and market uncertainty.
This means that the prices of travel and holidays could be affected in the future as we don’t know what the effect of currency changes will have on the price of holidays, hotels, fuel etc. Prices for the coming 6-12 months have probably already been fixed and guaranteed with tour operators, holiday companies, and hoteliers, therefore now is a good time to book a holiday.
We might see some prices rise in the future as things settle down, but we also might not because of the important aspect our tourism has on the world economy. The amount of money Brits spend abroad is considerable, so whether we are part of Europe or not, countries such as Greece, Turkey, Cyprus, Spain and many other top holiday destinations need our business.”
Go Holiday news : www.govillasandcottages.co.uk
All your holiday needs: IN PRINT - ON-LINE - DiGiMAG - SMARTPHONE -TABLET - BLOG - TWITTER - G+ - FACEBOOK
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: only a member of this blog may post a comment.