Operators split over immediate impact of Brexit
Independent tour operators are confident of a ‘positive outcome in the long term’ following the Brexit vote, although they expect ‘short-term confusion’.
An AITO survey shows members are split over the immediate impact on their businesses following the referendum, with 50% of respondents feeling there would be only a limited impact, 38% expecting a great impact and 12.8% a huge impact.
Confidence will grow as the shock of Brexit lessens, according to AITO members, with the number expecting a limited impact over the summer as a whole dropping to 65%, with 23% expecting a greater impact and 10% expecting a huge impact.
By winter 2016/17, 46% expected a great impact and 12.8% a huge impact. Beyond next winter, 40% felt there would still be a great impact and 12.8% a huge impact.
AITO said: "Overall, members felt that there will be short-term confusion, but could not refrain from feeling that – for them at least – there will be a positive outcome in the long term."
One AITO member said they expected demand over the next 12 months to be down by 20%, while another said they have cancelled plans to hire more staff.
Another said: "We can manage the weak pound; it’s the weak demand that will be the problem."
When asked whether members would surcharge if necessary, 94.9% said they would not do so in the immediate future. The remainder said they did not know.
Lisa
Lisa joined Travel Weekly nearly 25 years ago as technology reporter and then sailed around the world for a couple of years as cruise correspondent, before becoming deputy editor. Now freelance, Lisa writes for various print and web publications, edits Corporate Traveller’s client magazine, Gateway, and works on the acclaimed Remembering Wildlife series of photography books, which raise awareness of nature’s most at-risk species and helps to fund their protection.
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