Brits’ reaction to armed police on beaches in France
Only a third of Britons planning a holiday this summer welcome the news that armed police will be patrolling some beaches in France following the terror attack in Nice, which claimed 84 lives.
A quarter said they would find the tighter security off-putting.
Security has also been increased at French airports and there will be more police on duty at large events being planned across the country this summer.
Cities and towns that are unable to provide tighter security have been told to cancel large events.
Armed police will be patrolling beaches in Cannes, close to Nice, and backpacks, which could conceal bombs or explosives, will be banned.
In a survey, Travelzoo found that only a third of British holidaymakers welcomed the increased security, but almost 90% said it would not impact their holiday negatively.
Over one third think the UK should follow France’s lead and adopt similar measures at beaches and tourist spots.
Half the respondents said they would be prepared to pay at least 5% more for their breaks if it meant extra security, with one fifth saying they would pay as much as 10% or 15% more.
"Over 17 million British tourists visit France every year so it is extremely important for the country to demonstrate that everything is being done to protect tourists on beaches and in public places," said Louise Hodges, head of communications at Travelzoo.
"While one quarter of those surveyed say armed police on beaches could be off-putting, over a third are in favour of these new security measures, and half are prepared to pay extra for more security on holiday.
"This is significant as, post-Brexit, holidays in Europe this summer will feel more expensive, given the drop in the value of the pound against the euro."
Linsey McNeill
Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk
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