Holidaymakers looking to quit these shores for a getaway abroad are choosing to delay their departure until after the Olympic Games, research has revealed.
A study, conducted by travel company Amadeus, found that the number of travellers heading overseas after the end of the Olympic Games on 12 August is up by 10 per cent compared to figures for 2011.
In contrast, figures for the number of travellers who have booked outbound flights before the opening ceremony on 27 July, are down by 5 per cent in a year-on-year comparison.
Overall, the period from 2 July until 2 September will see London departures fall by 2 per cent this year in comparison to 2011.
However, the study pointed out that holidaymakers are “simply deferring” rather than cancelling their plans for a summer break altogether.
While the number of outbound travellers from London is set to fall during the Games, the opposite is true for inbound travellers.
Bookings figures for inbound travel during the Olympics show a 13 per cent increase compared to the same period last year.
Travellers from the continent will make up the largest share of inbound travel, accounting for 46 per cent of the total. This is followed by those from the United States, at 19 per cent, up from 12 per cent in 2011.
“This data highlights the significant opportunity for travel providers and businesses in London over the Olympics period, particularly during the dates when occupancy will surge compared with last year,” said Holger Taubmann, Amadeus senior vice president of distribution.
“Businesses, especially those within the leisure and retail sectors, will have big opportunities by catering to the needs of travellers from all over the world this summer.”
Countries that make up the BRICS nations (Brazil, China, India, Russia and South Africa) will make up a 9 per cent share of total arrivals. Bookings from BRIC countries to London have increased by 40 per cent.
(Image: thehutch)
