How might Brexit affect your annual holiday?
On Thursday 23rd June 2016 the EU Referendum (commonly referred to as Brexit) will take place to decide Britain’s future in the European Union. Those eligible to vote on Thursday include British, Irish and Commonwealth citizens resident in the UK, plus British expats living abroad for less than 15 years.
Many stats, reports, theories and facts have been put to the voting public backing LEAVE or REMAIN; discussing the potential impact on trade, education, health, finance, economics, migration, travel and much more.
One big question voters have on their minds (us cruise fans included) is how might Brexit affect our annual holiday to Europe? Below are a few responses currently doing the rounds on the nation’s hottest holiday topic.
”May lead to increased costs for the travelling public” – Mark Tanzer, CEO ABTA
ABTA, the UK’s largest travel association and well known trusted travel brand released a report alongside Deloitte titled What Brexit might mean for UK Travel. The report looks at the current circumstances concerning travel and holidays with Britain in the EU, as well as the likely impact should Britain decide to leave.
Key findings suggest that Brexit could jeopardise the free movement and flow of travel between the UK and EU. The value of sterling could also be impacted, making foreign currency destinations and the cost of a holiday to Europe more expensive for UK travellers.
“Assume European airfares are going to go up” – Andrew Swaffield, Monarch Airlines CEO
In an interview with the BBC, Monarch Airlines Chief Executive Andrew Swaffield says that “we can reasonably assume that European airfares are going to go up if we leave the EU”. Referencing the freedom of well-known low cost airlines and their ability to operate due to EU backing and agreements.
“Fewer allocated aircrafts for the UK” – Michael O’Leary, Ryanair CEO
When asked about capital expenditure plans, budget airline boss Michael O’Leary told Bloomberg news this morning that “there is absolutely no doubt in my mind that we will allocate fewer aircrafts to the UK in the next number of years if they vote to leave the European Union”.
“The EHIC European Health Insurance Card could become invalid” – EHIC
EHIC (replacement of the E111) currently provides card holders with access to medical treatments in most countries in the European Union. On their official website, EHIC states that if Britain leaves the EU they may also leave the European Economic Area (EEA), which would result in the loss of benefits for card holders.
One thing to remember is that no one has a crystal ball when it comes to Brexit and your vote will no doubt take into consideration a number of important factors that matter most to you. It has also been widely reported that the true effects of Brexit could take up to two years to materialise, so your impending holiday plans shouldn't need to change.
For more information on the developments of Brexit and its potential impact on the cruise industry and your future holiday, check out our up-to-date Brexit cruise guide.
Got a comment regarding the future of EU holidays and the referendum? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.