Our exclusive online poll found just 20 percent (277 people) had decided to take a foreign holiday this year despite the re-opening of many tourist destinations across the world. But the vast majority of 79 percent (1,196 people) said they were not considering a holiday abroad because of the coronavirus pandemic this year and 1 percent said the didn’t know.The online survey ran from 1.45pm until 7.45pm today and a total of 1,493 people took part.
One Express.co.uk reader said: “They did not want tourists before coronavirus so what’s changed? Oh yes, Spain needs money so now they need us.”
Another said: “I don’t think we will be taking any holidays overseas for the foreseeable future.
“I would imagine the whole airport/security nightmare would become even more so.”
Another reader said: “I am considering a holiday abroad – but it will not and will never again be in Europe. There are much better places.”
And another summed up the mood of many when he said: “Not a chance!”
Madrid’s decision to relax self-isolation rules for Britons opens up one Spain’s largest tourism markets after the hit from the coronavirus pandemic.
But as much as Spain wants to welcome British tourists, the UK’s current quarantine measures which require a two-week period of self-isolation for most people entering the country, could deter potential travellers.
The Government is due to review its 14-day quarantine rule on June 29, three weeks after it was introduced.
Foreign Minister Arancha Gonzalez Laya told BBC News: “We will allow British visitors to enter Spain just like the rest of the European Union or Schengen area from 21 June freely and without the need for the quarantine.”
READ MORE: Holidays 2020: Malta opens its doors to Britons from July
Spain ended its coronavirus state of emergency, imposed on March 14, on Sunday, and will open its borders to EU and Schengen area countries for a much needed boost to its tourism industry.
Ms Gonzalez Laya said British travellers would be subject to the same “triple check” as other European visitors, which consists of checking their origin, taking their temperature and taking contact details in case they need to be traced.
She said: “We want to make sure we welcome visitors but do so in safety and security for them as well as for Spaniards.”
A British Government spokesman said its position on quarantines for people entering the country remained unchanged.
He said: “International travel corridors remain an option under consideration by the UK government, not established policy.
“Conversations take place regularly with governments around the world on a whole range of issues and we will not be providing any further details at this stage.”
Britons account for more than a fifth of the roughly 80 million tourists Spain receives every year.
Britain, which has reported more than 42,500 deaths from coronavirus, and Spain, with over 28,300, are among the countries hardest hit by COVID-19.
Spain will open its border with Portugal on July 1.
