News

CONFIDENCE is returning to the industry as holidaymakers’ fear of travelling subsides, an ABTA survey has revealed.

Figures show an increasing number of people would consider visiting destinations that became almost tourist-free zones after the September terrorist attacks.

In addition, only 2% said they will not go on holiday because of the terrorism threat, while only 6% indicated they will delay booking their holiday.

The survey quizzed more than 1,000 consumers and follows similar polls carried out during September and November last year.

An ABTA spokesman said the results were particularly encouraging for Middle East and North African destinations.

“In September there was considerable nervousness about travelling,” he said.

“In November, while there was rapid improvement in confidence to New York and Florida, people were still worried about the Middle East and North Africa. But clearly confidence is now also returning to these destinations.”

In the immediate aftermath of the attacks in the US, 41% said they would not consider flying to Egypt. In January, only 16% said they are still too nervous to visit the country.

The position was similar in Dubai. Although 23% still admitted they would not travel to the city, it compares with more than 50% in September who said they would not go.

Fears of travelling to New York also fell from 41% in September to 19% this month. Tunisia fell from 31% to 11%, Morocco from 30% to 13% and Florida from 24% to 12%.

Surprisingly, and despite widespread belief this year will be a late-booking market, only 6% of those questioned said they will delay a decision on their holiday because of recent world events.