ABTA has said it expects the announcement to provide a boost to holiday bookings as it provides certainty that people will be able to continue to travel to the European Union exactly as they do currently, at least until the end of October 2019.
Mark Tanzer, Chief Executive of ABTA – The Travel Association said: “The Brexit extension provides certainty for people’s travel plans going into the Summer, meaning they can continue to book and travel without the uncertainties that come with a no-deal Brexit.
“While many people have already made their holiday plans for this Summer, booking early to get the holiday of their choice, others have been waiting to see what happens with Brexit. Today’s announcement should give people total confidence to book their holidays and travel arrangements.
“Easter is traditionally a popular time to book a Summer holiday. The return to popularity of Turkey, Tunisia and Egypt, not to mention the rise of Bulgaria, is making prices really competitive, including in popular destinations throughout the Western Mediterranean.”
ABTA has updated its Brexit advice page – abta.com/Brexit – confirming that current arrangements, such as the European Health Insurance Card and pet passports, will remain in place during the extension.
There are plans in place if the UK leaves the EU without a deal at the end of October, meaning flights will still be able to operate and a visa won’t be required for short-trips to the EU. ABTA has been advising travellers on steps they may need to take in advance to help avoid unnecessary future disruption in the event of a no-deal scenario.
