Younger holidaymakers are more likely than older generations to skip travelling to Europe this year as due to Brexit, new research claims.
The poll survey of more than 1,500 people found that almost a fifth (18%) of 18-34 year olds would avoid travelling to Europe this year as a result of the UK leaving the European Union while only six per cent of over-55s felt the same way.
On average, one in ten said that Brexit would mean they would avoid travelling to Europe, according to the survey from audit, tax and consulting firm RSM.
There was a similar split in views over whether Brexit would make any difference to travel plans.
More than half (57%) of those aged over 55 said Brexit would not make any difference, but this fell to 26% of 18-34 year olds who felt the same way.
Only 6% said they would hold off from booking their travel until after the UK had left the EU. This proportion was broadly the same across all age groups.
And while consumers plan to curb their spending on a range of products and activities in 2019, they would still prioritise three areas – saving, holidays and weekends away.
RSM head of travel and tourism Ian Bell said: “We are now in peak holiday booking season and it’s clear from the high level of advertising activity that the industry is working hard to encourage people to keep calm and book their holidays as normal.
“Our survey found that baby boomers seem pretty sanguine about the impact of Brexit on their holiday plans but it is notable that younger people are more hesitant about travelling to Europe and more likely to change their travel plans.
“This may be because younger travellers have been more susceptible to the scare stories. Alternatively, they may be more price sensitive and fear the possible impact of unfavourable exchange rates.
“While the current political uncertainty has raised the prospects of a no-deal Brexit, the immediate fears of flights being grounded appear to have receded and the message from everyone in the travel industry is “don’t panic”.
“However, some uncertainties remain and travellers will need to check some of the basics such as passport renewal dates, insurance cover and driving licence requirements before they travel.”
Meanwhile, the BBC reported that home working travel agents have seen a 5% rise in summer bookings with the peak new year selling period getting off to a rapid start, with average selling prices per person up slightly to £982.
Alistair Rowland, group general manager for Midcounties Co-operative Travel, said some customers could be cutting back on mini-breaks and allocating more cash to their main holiday.
And they are not being distracted by concerns about the UK leaving the EU.
“I think if anything people are so tired of Brexit, and they are used to their pound buying less,” he was reported as saying.
“They are not willing to give up their main holiday of the year and they’re willing to invest in it.”