Agents and operators face a potentially bruising battle for late bookings as new research reveals that well over two thirds of people have yet to commit to a summer holiday.
The June 8 general election and Brexit are among political reasons cited for a slowdown in bookings for this summer, while others have concerns about which foreign destinations are safe to travel to.
The study of 2,012 adults commissioned by Travelzoo found that 41% have not yet booked a summer holiday but they plan to soon.
Almost a quarter (23%) stated political reasons like the French and UK elections and Brexit as impacting them booking their summer holiday.
And 22% said concerns around where is safe to go on holiday is having a major impact on booking their overseas break for this summer.
Travelzoo UK general manager Joel Brandon-Bravo said: “Forty one per cent of Britons in the poll also say they have yet to book their summer holiday.
“Travelzoo is seeing a growing trend for people to leave holiday booking to the last minute – with news and geopolitical factors playing an important role in shaping where these people choose to travel to.”
Political uncertainty is having a “huge impact” on the international travel industry, he added.
“Indecision around the EU open skies agreement and passenger compensation rights are just some of the issues resulting from Brexit, whilst the recent laptop ban and potential visa restrictions are also making travel decision-making more complex,” said Brandon-Bravo.
“It’s no wonder then that Travelzoo’s research has found nearly a quarter (23%) of British travellers state political reasons like the French and UK elections as major considerations in holiday booking this summer.
“However, whilst the victory everyone is talking about today is Emmanuel Macron winning the French presidential election, another aspect worth mentioning is the good news that the election process in France has concluded without a safety and security incident.
“With concern over personal safety a major concern for one fifth of Britons polled, the election result should create some stability and boost confidence in travel to France this summer.”