ALMOST half of Scottish holidaymakers say they are still afraid to travel abroad despite the Government easing of restrictions, according to research published today.
The survey of 2000 people, conducted by Yonder on behalf of Cignpost ExpressTest, found that Scots were more concerned about international travel than any other activity, including using public transport, going back to the office and enjoying pubs and restaurants.
The research was commissioned by leading Covid testing company Cignpost ExpressTest, to understand the public's appetite for foreign travel, now that most restrictions have been removed.
Key findings show that: 42% of people are extremely or very concerned about travelling abroad. This compares poorly to the public’s confidence in sending their children back to school (10% extremely or very concerned), going back to their office (14%), shopping (17%), going out to restaurants, pubs and bars (26%), and using public transport (42%).
Women are most fearful about travelling abroad; some 41% are extremely/very concerned, as opposed to 37% of men The 55-64 age group is most worried about flying internationally, with 43% very or extremely concerned. 31% of 18-24-year-olds feel the same way.
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Travellers from Scotland are among the least likely to fly abroad, with almost half (48%) saying they are very or extremely concerned. This number is 42% in London, and falls to 31% in Wales.
Nick Markham, co-Founder of Cignpost believes there is need for a major campaign to persuade millions that it is safe to travel again.
“There has been a widespread assumption that Scots will automatically return to international travel once restrictions are eased.
"This research suggests many people remain nervous about travel. With less expensive lateral flow tests now in place for most people returning from abroad, we believe that it’s the right time for a major advertising campaign to build on consumer confidence and persuade people to get back in the air.”
Markham continues: “Cignpost ExpressTest has been at the forefront of testing to help the travel industry operate through the pandemic. Our last nationwide advertising campaign, Unlock Your World,(3) was designed to encourage the public to get back to travel.”
These findings are borne-out by the latest figures from Heathrow, which reported passenger numbers in September were only at 38% of pre-pandemic levels, and Easyjet, who expect capacity in 2022 to return to just 70% of 2019 numbers.
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