Brexit poses danger to inbound travel: Blue Chip MD

While much of the focus of what Brexit would mean for the travel industry has focused on outbound travel, Allan Lambert, managing director of Exeter-based Blue Chip Holidays, has raised concerns over its potential impact on the inbound travel market.

“For many holidaymakers Britain is attractive because it is part of the EU, which enables them to make the most of a European tour,” he said. “There is a danger that these tourists will be put off if Britain has different travel and trading arrangements with countries such as France, Germany, Holland and Spain. We have no doubt that tourism will continue to grow if we keep the status quo and holidaymakers know what they are getting when they come to Britain.”

In 2015, inbound travellers made up 5% of Blue Chip Holidays customer base. Lambert continued: “Jobs in tourism would also be at risk if there were fewer foreign visitors to hot spots such as Devon and Cornwall, Yorkshire and the Cotswolds and holiday companies that rely on European travellers may see a detrimental impact on their business should Britain vote to leave the EU.

“UK destinations in close proximity to ferry ports would be particularly effected as they are currently convenient options for holiday makers from France and Spain however they would be less appealing after Brexit. Organisations like Visit Britain, that have invested heavily in building ‘Brand Britain’, would likely face an uphill battle in trying to repair the damage that leaving the EU would have on it, when the ‘Eurovision effect’ is amplified.”

Based in Exeter, Blue Chip Holidays has an extensive and growing portfolio of properties, from country manors and Grade II listed houses to modern coastal apartments and lodges. Most recently launching a Yorkshire portfolio, the company plans to continue expanding into new regions whilst also increasing the choice available for rental.