Almost a third (28%) of US travellers plan to head to Europe in 2017, with 72% saying it is a possibility, new research reveals.
London is the second most popular European city destination after Paris, followed by Rome, according to the poll for Choice Hotels of more than 1,000 Americans who plan to travel this year.
The UK leaving the European Union will have little impact on US consumers travelling to Europe, with 45% saying their travel plans will go ahead regardless and only 8% saying that European travel is no longer appealed.
The weakening of sterling due to the Brexit decision was viewed favourably by US consumers, with 73% saying it makes the UK a more attractive place to visit with more money to spend.
Leisure/personal travel budgets of US consumers are up 42% over 2016, from $3,572 to $5,063.
Three quarters want to go sightseeing, 43% are looking for European culture and another 42% want to experience Europe’s food and wine.
Just under a quarter (23%) want to visit family and friends.
When they arrive, 44% will be staying for one week, while another 44% will be staying for longer.
Choice Hotels international division senior vice president Mark Pearce, senior vice president, international division said: “I’m thrilled that Paris is the top European spot for US travellers, a city that is very much open for business.
“London clearly also has great appeal, perhaps more so than ever because of the favourable exchange rate for those with US dollars to spend.”