Travel businesses optimistic about UK. international growth
Two-thirds (68%) of UK travel businesses are bullish on future international growth, despite current challenges like the uncertain landscape over tariffs.
It comes in new research commissioned by Equals Money.
Surprisingly, 64% think protectionist tariffs – notably introduced by the U.S. government – will positively impact their business.
Also, a similar proportion (69%) are confident UK government initiatives like the AI Opportunities Action Plan and plans to create the UK’s Silicon Valley, will spur growth in the domestic market.
Still, as many consider international expansion to be critical for survival (35%) as view it as a desirable growth opportunity (37%).
Nearly half of British travel businesses are eyeing Europe as their top expansion target for the next five years, with a third banking on North America,
Around one quarter are looking toward East Asia and Australasia (27% and 25% respectively).
Political stability (32%) is a key factor driving market selection for expansion, the research shows.
“Travel businesses are divided on whether international expansion is a golden growth opportunity or a necessity to ensure their survival,” said Thanim Islam, Head of FX Analysis at Equals Money.
“While the potential rewards of international expansion are clear, they come with challenges – such as managing multi‑currency payments, navigating fluctuating exchange rates, handling compliance across regions, and scaling during peak periods.”
Respondents said that the biggest operational challenges they face are:
Establishing partnerships (42%)
Complying with local regulations (36%)
Managing international payments (35%)
Sourcing local skills and localising products (35%)
Equals Money offers financial tools to simplify global transactions and safeguard against currency risks.
Related News Stories: News Archive - Page 4971 of 9443 - TravelMole News Archive - Page 4114 of 9443 - TravelMole News Archive - Page 4192 of 9445 - TravelMole New airline startup Air Kerala gets first regulatory green light News Archive - Page 4949 of 9444 - TravelMole DidaTravel - TravelMole DidaTravel - TravelMole Inteletravel.com - TravelMole Miliband: Heathrow third runway in jeopardy over Net Zero targets Marriott - TravelMole
TravelMole Editorial Team
Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
France prepares for a massive strike across all transports on September 18
Turkish tourism stalls due to soaring prices for accommodation and food
CCS Insight: eSIMs ready to take the travel world by storm
Germany new European Entry/Exit System limited to a single airport on October 12, 2025
Airlines suspend Madagascar services following unrest and army revolt