Britons have cut back their holidays abroad in light of current Brexit chaos. Those living in the UK have decreased their vacations overseas in light of turmoil surrounding the UK’s exit from the EU, which is scheduled for October 31. Official figures from the Office of National Statistics show a one per cent fall in the number of UK residents heading abroad. It showed there were 71.7 million visits overseas by UK residents in 2018, a decrease of one per cent when compared with 2017.
Previously, Express.co.uk reported how uncertainty over Brexit, including the prospect of a no deal Brexit, had sent the pound to euro exchange rate plummeting.
It also sparked fears over the validity of millions of passports, with extra months validity needed for UK travellers.
Additional research has show Britons are pumping for staycations over trips abroad, so as not to lose money on exchange rate transfers.
Trips by Britons to tourist favourite Benidorm have also dropped in light of the political crisis.
Prime Minister Theresa May has told how she will present her Withdrawal Agreement to the Commons for vote for a fourth time.
Yet it appears the damage has already been done to international travel, with the fall in numbers.
Overall, visits have increased over the last 20 years, although notable falls were observed in 2009 and 2010.
Since then, numbers have increased again and, in each of the years from 2016 to 2018, UK visits abroad have exceeded the numbers seen in 2008 (before the decrease).
Meanwhile, as well as showing a drop in the number of Britons heading abroad, the findings revealed how UK residents spent £45.4 billion on visits overseas in 2018, which was one per cent more than in 2017.
This suggests they may be making long haul journeys, and therefore venturing outside the EU.
There were also 71.7 million visits overseas by UK residents in 2018, a decrease of one per cent compared with 2017.
Meanwhile, the top tourist destination for Britons overseas has come to light.
Spain is the most visited country by UK residents, the Office for National Statistics revealed today.
Britons flock to the country in their droves, with 15.6 million visits there in 2018 – although this was a two percent decrease from 2017.
The majority of trips were for holidays, with 89 percent of Britons stepping on to Spanish soil to enjoy the sun, sea and sangria.
Spain wasn’t the only European country to enjoy the patronage of British travellers, with France and Italy also benefitting.
