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.
