A survey commissioned by UK beach holiday provider On the Beach revealed that the British public is still bullish on 2019 holiday plans despite Brexit.
The survey of 1,000 Brits found that half of Britons (50%) stated that Brexit will not impact their holiday plans and that 86% are planning to take the same number of holidays abroad or more in 2019 as they did in 2018.
Home or abroad
Almost a third (32%) said they plan on taking more foreign holidays next year than they did in 2018, compared to 27% who say they will be booking more holidays in the UK.
The survey revealed that more than half (54%), are intent on enjoying the same number of holidays abroad in 2019, as they did this year. Only 14% of Brits expect to take fewer foreign holidays next year.
Millennials are most likely to enjoy more foreign holidays next year, with over half (56%) of 16-24-year olds saying they will increase the number of breaks they take outside of the UK. Just one in 10 Brits from the same age group plan on taking fewer holidays in 2019.
The survey also revealed that almost nine out of 10 (89%), will still book a European beach holiday next year despite the recent announcement that there will be a fee of EUR 7 for Britons travelling to the EU post-Brexit.
13% of respondents said that they would be looking at holidays further afield, outside of Europe, as a result of Brexit.
Brexit day
More than eight in 10 (83%) stated that they would happily holiday abroad on Brexit day (29 March 2019), though uncertainties around Brexit mean that 17% will avoid being abroad on holiday on or around this day.
Holiday spending
The survey also asked holidaymakers if they plan on splashing more money on their holidays next year compared to this, and found that over a quarter (26%) will increase their holiday spend in 2019, whilst 40% will budget the same as they did during 2018.
Whilst a third (33%) plan on spending less on their holidays in 2019, just 12% said they would be willing to forego trips if they were forced to make financial cutbacks next year.
The research conducted by the online travel agent found that holidays feature high on Britons’ list of spending priorities, as one of the last things that they would be willing to give up. Meals out topped the list of items people would be willing to forego (38%), followed by nights on the town (35%). Almost a quarter (23%) would happily sacrifice leisure activities, such as nights at the cinema or theatre, before giving up on their week in the sun.
“Week in the sun almost topping their list of disposable income”
Alan Harding, marketing director at On the Beach commented: “Our survey suggests that Brits largely do not expect Brexit to change their holiday plans for 2019, with the majority planning to take the same or more number of holidays abroad next year as they did in 2018.
“The results of our survey also show just how important holidays are for hard-working Brits, with their week in the sun almost topping their list of disposable income spending priorities.”