Olympics will drive 12% of Brits overseas
More than one in 10 Brits will be heading abroad during the London Olympics specifically to avoid the sporting event.
In a poll of 2018 adults, commissioned by ABTA, 12% said they would be going overseas between July 27 and August 12 to get away from the Games.
The older generation is the least keen to stay in the UK, with 22% of over 65s intending to head overseas to avoid the event, and 18% of 55-64 year olds.
Some 9% of British adults are looking to go on holiday somewhere in the UK that’s free from Olympics fever.
A further 30% said although they are not taking time off, they plan to ignore the Games.
Meanwhile, 11% are planning to take time off to watch the Games on TV in the comfort of their own homes and 31% said that although they will not take time off during the Olympics, they are excited about them
Around 5% are taking time off work to attend events in or around the Games in London and other Olympic venues around the UK.
ABTA head of communications Victoria Bacon said: "With only six months to go until one of the biggest sporting events in our country’s history, it’s clear that hundreds of thousands, especially the young, will be taking time off to enjoy London 2012. However, for those who don’t love sports or want to escape the crowds, going abroad will provide a welcome alternative."
The research was conducted by Arkenford Ltd, which specialises in tourism and leisure market research. Fieldwork was conducted in September 2011.
** Where will you be during London 2012? Are you excited about the event? Have you noticed a change in bookings in light of the Games?
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by Bev Fearis
Bev
Editor in chief Bev Fearis has been a travel journalist for 25 years. She started her career at Travel Weekly, where she became deputy news editor, before joining Business Traveller as deputy editor and launching the magazine’s website. She has also written travel features, news and expert comment for the Guardian, Observer, Times, Telegraph, Boundless and other consumer titles and was named one of the top 50 UK travel journalists by the Press Gazette.
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