Lastminute.com has reported a surge in bookings for post-Brexit holidays to popular European destinations.
The UK is set to leave the European Union on March 29 and there have been concerns about the impact of Brexit on holidaymakers’ travel plans.
However, the online travel agency said its year-on-year booking figures reveal the number of customers travelling to Spain between April and December 2019 has risen by almost 35%.
Portugal shows an increase of 31% and Greece 55% for the same period.
Research by lastminute.com echoes these booking trends, with two thirds of consumers saying they still feel connected to Europe when it comes to holidays.
The main reasons for this connection are previous visits and familiarity with EU countries, according to the research.
Marco Corradino, lastminute.com chief executive, said: “We must come to terms with the Brexit effect on travel but the positive signs we’re seeing from our booking data show that the appetite for travel in 2019 remains strong – both to EU and non-EU destinations.
“We can’t predict what will happen with Brexit, but one thing that hasn’t changed is that people want inspirational travel ideas and great deals.”
Lastminute.com is keeping customers informed about Brexit-related travel developments.
Corradino added: “I hope that whatever happens with Brexit, it will become a catalyst for positive change in the travel industry.
“For us the key thing is providing consumer confidence, whatever the outcome, and we hope it will bring about even more protection for travellers, along with the benefits of booking packages, like the Atol scheme currently provides.”