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WTM 2017: Brits fear post Brexit hike in holiday prices

A hike in the cost of foreign holidays is the main post-Brexit fear for British travellers, new research reveals.

Other areas of concern reflect the far-reaching implications of leaving the European Union.

More than half (54%) of the 1,000-people polled said they were specifically concerned about the worsening pound/euro exchange rate.

A similar proportion (52%) were worried about holidays in general becoming more expensive, while 45% are anxious about the costs of flights.

However, the World Travel Market 2017 Industry Report also reveals a range of other concerns – demonstrating that many British travellers realise that leaving the European Union will have deep implications for overseas travel.

More than one in three (38%) are anxious about losing entitlement to free state healthcare in Europe with the future of the European Health Insurance Card in doubt.

One-third (33%) were nervous about the increased risk of queues at passport control.

One-in-four expressed fears about losing the loss of free mobile phone roaming in Europe as it is not known how the mobile phone operators will treat UK customers once the UK is not part of Europe.

Smaller but still significant worries felt by one-in-six of the sample include the loss of other consumer rights which are in place because of European legislation – 17% fear that holiday protection will suffer, with 16% concerned about losing the delayed flight and denied boarding compensation scheme.

However, a quarter of the sample had no concerns around Brexit and its impact on their future holidays.

A WTM spokesman said: “Our travel-specific findings around Brexit could be a bellweather for how the country feels at the moment.

“Half the UK are worried about the costs, most Brits have some concerns but they are varied and a quarter of the population is saying that Brexit will not have any influence on them.

“As things stand, the British travel industry – inbound and outbound – needs to have some clarity from the negotiators around consumer protection, passport control and mobile phone bills, among other things.”

Travel Weekly coverage of World Travel Market

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