British travelers change habits

Three-quarters of Britons are currently avoiding Islamic countries for holiday destinations, new study shows

Following the migrant crisis and recent terrorism events British travelers start to change traveling habits and avoid Islamic countries, due to personal and family safety during trips, according to Travelzoo new research.

Terrorism and migrants situation had a direct impact on tourists choice regarding the country of destination for usual holidays time.

"Usually when Britain has a cool and wet summer, we are keen to take holiday somewhere warm. The events of this summer, however, have impacted the choices British consumers are making about where to go. This is particularly true, at least in the short term, for some of the previously popular tourist destinations amongst British tourists," Yeganeh Morakabati, Academic in Risk and Tourism at Bournemouth University declares.

"What is clear from the research is that the relative levels of risk perception have increased uncertainty and this has left the door open to fear. As a result British travellers are finding it increasingly difficult to decide on the safest destination for a holiday abroad", he adds.

The research found that over a half of travelers avoid countries that have been indicated as “high alert destinations” by the Foreign & Commonwealth Office for British tourists, even if potential visitors often feel confused about some of the destinations' safety.

According to Louise Hodges, Travelzoo's spokesperson, "It's clear that after a turbulent year with many high-profile incidents in tourist destinations, safety and security is paramount for British people making choices about where to travel to for the rest of 2015 and into 2016. Websites such as that of the Foreign & Commonwealth Office are now being cited as a place 70% of British consumers would look at when assessing where they might book.

"Winter-sun holidays for British tourists have typically been to the Canaries or the North Africa region, where the short flight time and guaranteed heat holds enormous appeal. The Canaries are looking popular again this year, however we know people are actively avoiding North Africa, opting instead for destinations they believe are safer. Islamic countries in particular are causing potential British visitors concern."

The Canary Islands, the Caribbean, Australia, Italy, Spain, France, Portugal and USA are current preferred destinations for British visitors for this year, in the quest of finding a safe place to enjoy their staying. Meanwhile Tunisia, Morocco, Egypt, Greece and Thailand are places that Britons prefer to avoid following latest tragic events.