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Half of Brits are avoiding traditionally popular winter sun hotspots in favour of ‘safer’ destinations as a result of terror attacks and the migrant crisis, according to a Travelzoo survey.
More than half of 2,000 adults surveyed blamed recent terrorist attacks (54%) and the migrant crisis (51%) for reducing their willingness to travel abroad.
The poll suggested that Tunisia, Morocco, Egypt, Greece and Thailand – all traditionally popular winter sun destinations – are now the places that UK consumers are most afraid to visit.
It found Britons felt most secure travelling to the Canary Islands (pictured), the Caribbean and Australia for a winter sun holiday this year. Over the next 12 months they felt most confident about booking Italy, Spain, France, Portugal and the US.
Travelzoo managing director, Richard Singer, said the survey showed that personal safety was now a key factor in holiday choice.
“It was all about price; now safety is right up there,” he said.
More than half of those surveyed (54%) said the Tunisia terrorist attack alone had put them off booking a holiday anywhere abroad, while only 1% said they would consider visiting Tunisia, even if the travel ‘ban’ were lifted.
The research also showed 75% of respondents were now actively avoiding Islamic countries as holiday destinations, while 73% said the migrant crisis had put them off travelling through the Channel Tunnel or by Eurostar.
Yeganeh Morakabati, an academic in risk and tourism at Bournemouth University, said: “What is clear from the research is that risk perception has increased uncertainty and this has left the door open to fear. As a result, Britons are finding it increasingly difficult to decide on the safest destination for a holiday abroad.”
The survey of 2,000 UK adults was conducted by Censuswide on behalf of Travelzoo in September.