Almost half (45%) of youth travel companies believe business prospects will be worse as a result of the UK’s Brexit vote.
Declines in business volume between 12% and 19% are expected over the next year.
The pessimistic outlook following the referendum vote for the UK to leave the European Union came in a survey conducted by the World Youth Student and Educational Confederation (WYSE).
Director general David Chapman said: “These concerns are with good reason. The UK is an important source market of youth and student travellers.
“Young travellers from the UK aged 25 or younger made 10.4 million trips abroad in 2015 and Europe is one of the most important destinations for them, receiving over 60% of the market.”
He added: “While holidays account for more than half of these trips, study, work experience and language learning are also significant travel segments.
“It should come as no surprise that the WYSE Brexit survey found that au pair and work experience businesses – some of the sectors dealing with visas – are expecting the biggest decreases in business volume as a result of Brexit.
“Are there bright spots? Yes. Transport operators expect an upturn and some believe that stricter visa regulations could increase the value of agent services.
“Also, many see the potential for other EFL [English as a foreign language] destinations to become attractive alternatives to the UK.”