CONFIDENCE is returning to the industry as
holidaymakers’ fear of travelling subsides, an ABTA survey has revealed.
Figures show an increasing number of people would
consider visiting destinations that became almost tourist-free zones after the
September terrorist attacks.
In addition, only 2% said they will not go on holiday
because of the terrorism threat, while only 6% indicated they will delay
booking their holiday.
The survey quizzed more than 1,000 consumers and
follows similar polls carried out during September and November last year.
An ABTA spokesman said the results were particularly
encouraging for Middle East and North African destinations.
“In September there was considerable nervousness about
travelling,” he said.
“In November, while there was rapid improvement in
confidence to New York and Florida, people were still worried about the Middle
East and North Africa. But clearly confidence is now also returning to these
destinations.”
In the immediate aftermath of the attacks in the US,
41% said they would not consider flying to Egypt. In January, only 16% said
they are still too nervous to visit the country.
The position was similar in Dubai. Although 23% still
admitted they would not travel to the city, it compares with more than 50% in
September who said they would not go.
Fears of travelling to New York also fell from 41% in
September to 19% this month. Tunisia fell from 31% to 11%, Morocco from 30% to
13% and Florida from 24% to 12%.
Surprisingly, and despite
widespread belief this year will be a late-booking market, only 6% of those
questioned said they will delay a decision on their holiday because of recent
world events.