Brexit could hurt holidays, say British and European travellers

There are fears travel will become more difficult if the United Kingdom leaves the European Union, according to a survey conducted by travel insurance company Holidaysafe.co.uk.

The survey of 3000-plus UK residents found 33 per cent of UK travellers say ease of travel in the EU has a bearing on how they will vote in the EU Referendum on June 23.

According to the Treasury’s research, a Brexit vote could cause the pound to fall by 12 per cent, increasing the cost of accommodation, food and drinks for those travelling overseas.

Another issue concerning holidaymakers is a potential hike in flight prices.

Cheapflights.co.uk managing director Andrew Shelton said: ‘‘We saw an increase in searches for flights to European destinations of over 40 per cent when the referendum was announced in February as Brits looked to book flights before a potential price hike in the event of a Brexit.

‘‘Since then, demand has steadied to a 20-22 per cent increase year on year. That suggests Brits are concerned by the potential for an increase in flight prices – but there is a lot of uncertainty.’’

Research commissioned by travel deal website Travelzoo, in conjunction with Bournemouth University, goes one step further to suggest leaving the EU could cost up to £4.1 billion ($83b) a year in international tourist spending.

The research, conducted in the UK, France, German, Spain and Italy, found that a third of Italian, Spanish and German travellers – and a quarter of French – say they will be less inclined to travel to the UK if Britain votes to leave Europe.