Travel companies and airlines are starting to see the first wave of holiday bookings in the wake of England being knocked out of the World Cup.
Thomas Cook reported a “strong day of trading” on Saturday as customers booking holidays in-store cited England’s early exit from the competition as the main reason for wanting to get away.
Cook added that people browsing for a summer break sent traffic volumes on its website soaring to double the level seen just a week earlier, the Telegraph reported.
EasyJet said that bookings following England’s exit were up year on year and they were preparing for a busy week ahead.
As travel agents prepare for a bumper period, the UK economy is set to take a hit. Fewer barbeques and match-viewing parties will hit supermarkets, pubs, bookmakers and sports retailers across the country.
“England’s early departure is going to halve the expected boost to the economy from the World Cup,” said David McCorquodale, head of retail at accountancy firm KPMG told the newsaper.
“Undoubtedly there will be a depression for the retailers. People will still watch the World Cup but they would have thrown a much bigger party if their team was still in the tournament.”