Seven in ten Europeans will travel for holidays this year. Four in five willing to carry vaccine passports for international travel. Travellers appear undeterred by Brexit, as a majority say they are no more nor less likely to travel to the UK following its departure from the EU.
LYON, FRANCE – New research released by Euronews is a cause for optimism for the travel industry, as seven in 10 Europeans across France, Germany, Spain and Italy (70 per cent) say they will travel either domestically (39%), internationally (21%) or both internationally and domestically (10%) for holidays this year.
The research, conducted with 6,000 Europeans by Redfield and Wilton Strategies, examines Europeans’ views on travel to the UK post-Brexit and within a pandemic Europe.
The survey further shows that people in France, Germany, Spain and Italy are intent on travelling safely – four in five Europeans (80 per cent) say they would be willing to carry vaccine passports for international travel.
The research was commissioned by Euronews as part of its ‘Feel Connected to Europe’ campaign embracing wider European and global issues and reinforcing the news channel’s neutral editorial stance in an increasingly polarised news environment
It also revealed:
- ‘London’ was voted the best UK attraction for European tourists across all four countries[1].
- Second best UK attraction varied per country, with the countryside coming second in Germany (33 per cent), the Royal Family in both France (42 per cent) and Italy (44 per cent) and museums + theatres (50 per cent) in Spain.
- When asked about the negative aspects of travel to the UK, ‘too expensive’ (51 per cent) and ‘the bad weather’ (49 per cent) topped the list[2].
The research also delved into European attitudes to post-Brexit UK travel. Five years on from the Brexit referendum, more than two in five people (44 per cent) across the four European nations (Germany, France, Italy and Spain) believe that Brits should be subject to additional taxes or charges when purchasing holiday homes in the EU.
It appears that Brexit has not deterred people from coming to the UK. A majority of all respondents (63 per cent) said they were ‘no more nor less likely’ or ‘more likely’ to travel to the UK post Brexit; only 25 percent answered that they would be “less likely” to do so. An identical number (63 per cent) feel they would be “more welcome” or “no more nor less welcome” in Britain since it has left the EU, with only 24 per cent saying they would feel “less welcome”.
Michael Peters, Euronews CEO, says: “Staying connected to Europe is not about being part of the EU, it’s about a common understanding between the UK and its closest geographic, economic and cultural neighbours. When we commissioned this research, we were aware of how much of the media conversation focused on the UK experience of Brexit, with very little understanding of how the Britain leaving the EU affects the nation’s standing with Europeans.
“With this campaign, we want UK audiences to think critically about the news they consume, and the potential benefits of looking beyond the immediate national news agenda and embracing wider European and global issues. As Europe's leading international news media, our mission is to empower people to form their own opinion, through offering a diversity of viewpoints. Euronews’ television and digital platforms provide thinking UK audiences with an alternative source of news and information that helps them to stay connected with the UK, with Europe and the world.”
The media company – which reaches 145 million people every month and is available in over 400 million homes in 160 countries, including two thirds of homes across Europe and the UK – recently expanded its digital feature-led content which complements its rolling news, broadcast in 12 language editions, including the launches of Euronews Next, Euronews Travel and Euronews Green.
Euronews Travel is a new digital destination by Euronews, Europe’s leading international news channel. It speaks to those who are hungry for unique experiences and memories, but not at the cost of the planet and local communities.
Euronews is available in the UK on Sky UK (channel 508), Virgin TV (channel 620), Freeview – ChannelBox #271, on NewsPlayer+ and OneHub Tv.
[1] The respondents were asked “In your view, what is the biggest attraction in the United Kingdom for tourists?” They could select up to three answers.
[2] The respondents were asked “In your view, what is the most negative thing about the UK for tourists?” They could select up to two answers.
[3] See: http://www.britishpollingcouncil.org/officers-members/
[4] See: https://www.aapor.org/Standards-Ethics/Transparency-Initiative/Current-Members.aspx
Vicky is the co-founder of TravelDailyNews Media Network where she is the Editor-in Chief. She is also responsible for the daily operation and the financial policy. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Tourism Business Administration from the Technical University of Athens and a Master in Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Wales.
She has many years of both academic and industrial experience within the travel industry. She has written/edited numerous articles in various tourism magazines.
