Less than a third of people think Brexit will affect their holiday plans, according to a new study.
Terrorism/crime are greater influences for travellers (45%) than Brexit (30%).
The UK’s exit from the European Union continues to cause political turmoil, and 59% of consumers see it as the biggest issue facing our country today.
However, three quarters (76%) say Brexit will not affect foreign holiday plans, the research by YouGov found.
Terrorism is a key influence for Britons when travelling, particularly among parents, online focus groups revealed.
Brexit is the second largest influence for Britons planning foreign holidays, as well as the linked topics of exchange rates and visa considerations – both potentially exacerbated by leaving the EU.
Those aged 18 to 25 are considerably more influenced by visa and passport issues (38%) than those aged over 55 (22%).
Despite this, the majority still plan to travel despite major changes to Britain’s position in the EU.
Three quarters of consumers are ‘no more or less likely’ to holiday abroad in 2019 because of Brexit, and many actively refuse to let Brexit get in the way of their travel plans.
The YouGov survey found that six in ten (60%) Britons took at least one holiday abroad last year, and more than a third (37%) took two or more.
Enthusiasm for foreign travel is due to continue, with almost four in ten (39%) Britons definitely planning to go abroad this year.
This is particularly prevalent among 18 to 24 year olds – half will definitely take an overseas holiday in 2019.
Those who took part in the focus groups generally voiced a lack of knowledge regarding changes to foreign travel after March 29, and that the media coverage of the warnings surround Brexit were ‘scaremongering’.
Very few considered changing their holiday habits due to political changes.
YouGov associate director of qualitative research, Olivia Joyner, said: “There’s been plenty of media coverage in regards to whether Brits will be able to holiday in Europe after Brexit with the same freedoms and assurances we have had as members of the EU.
“Although the future is uncertain, our research shows that this doesn’t seem to be deterring holidaymakers.
“Brexit isn’t the number one influence for holidaymakers, in fact it is only a factor for 30% of Brits.
“When speaking to Brits from various age ranges and family structures, the prevailing opinion is that Brexit will not affect or indeed stop holidaymakers from travelling abroad.
“The only tangible issue is that there will be economic consequences to a declining pound, and potentially more admin involved with visas.”
The biggest influences for Britons planning a 2019 holiday, according to YouGov research:
1. Safety concerns e.g. terrorism and crime (45%)
2. Brexit (30%)
3. Exchange rate (30%)
4. Visa/passport considerations (27%)
5. Environmental concerns (12%)