THE UK is one of the most likely markets to travel to
tsunami-affected countries for altruistic reasons, according to
research commissioned by the World Tourism Organisation Emergency
Task Force.
Around 19% of Brits questioned were more likely to travel to
affected regions. The survey found 33% of UK consumers planning to
take an overseas holiday are considering visiting Asia this year,
with 43% of those choosing Thailand.
But 20% of respondents said they had revised their destination of
choice, with Sri Lanka and Indonesia the most affected.
Of those questioned, 74% agreed a holiday in the affected regions
was an excellent way to help those countries recover. The survey
found 72% used the Internet for travel information on Asia, while
33% used a high-street travel agent.
Federation of Tour Operators director-general Andy Cooper said:
“Brits are resilient and used to travelling in
adversity.”
The survey, commissioned jointly with Visa International and
conducted by AC Nielsen, questioned 10 key markets including the
US, Canada, France, Germany, Sweden, Australia, China, Japan and
the Republic of Korea. Around 500 people from each market were
questioned at the end of last month.