The trade expects Donald Trump’s re-election to have a minimal impact on overall travel to the US but warned a change in exchange rates could affect holiday costs.
After Trump came to power in 2017, the US dollar strengthened against the pound based on his proposed economic policies, leading to rises in holiday prices.
Barrhead Travel president Jacqueline Dobson said it was unlikely the new administration would significantly dampen interest, but added: “It will be important to monitor the dollar and how it reacts – particularly as we had started to see flight prices beginning to drop.
“We do still need a focus on transatlantic connectivity to keep up with demand and ensure travel there is accessible and affordable.”
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Christina Brazier, head of industry affairs at Aito, The Specialist Travel Association, said: “The long‑term impact will depend on how [Trump’s] economic policies affect exchange rates – and costs – for UK travellers.”
USAirtours chief executive Guy Novik said any price rises could hit the lower end of the market. “The cost of US holidays has risen more than 20% [post Covid] caused by US inflation and higher airfares due to inventory reconfiguration, resulting in an increase in premium seats but reduction in economy,” he said.
“We’ve not had negative feedback from agents, but we expect the same [marginal] reduction in bookings at the value end due to increased pricing as we did last time he was elected.”
Ocean Holidays co-founder Harry Hastings said value for money remained a consumer priority.
He said: “Historically, exchange rate shifts have tended to influence travel demand more strongly than changes in US leadership. When Trump was first elected, the event closely followed Brexit, which saw the pound drop to a 30-year low against the dollar.”
But he stressed the current “value and experience” of the US meant it was still “desirable”, with the return of Disney’s Dining Plan and forthcoming launch of Universal Orlando Resort’s Universal Epic Universe theme park helping to drive demand.
The Travel Network Group chief executive Gary Lewis predicted the underlying appetite for US travel would remain resilient with any impact “minor and short-lived”.
The Advantage Travel Partnership chief commercial officer Kelly Cookes added: “Travel to the US throughout the campaigning period remained robust, despite the strong dollar.”
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