Brexit-related ‘complexity’ for travellers to increase, warns Julia Lo Bue-Said

UK travellers should expect to face more hurdles when going abroad in the coming years because of Brexit, Julia Lo Bue-Said has warned.

In a speech at The Advantage Travel Partnership’s annual conference in Benidorm today (May 21), the consortium’s chief executive said there would be “more complexity” when travelling to come as a result of the UK’s exit from the EU.

“Whether you are a remainer or leaver, Brexit is making the travel experience more challenging,” she told delegates, adding: “We are likely to see more complexity moving forward with increased stringency on immigration controls and such like.”

More: Most consumers plan at least two holidays in 2023, says Advantage

Lo Bue-Said highlighted the EU’s Etias visa scheme, the launch of which has been delayed until 2024, and the entry/exit system (EES), which will see the introduction of fingerprinting and facial recognition for Brits visiting the Schengen area.

She said it is vital that the industry works together, and with the government, to make going abroad as simple and stress-free as possible for travellers.

“All these new controls need effective communication or we stand the risk of adding even further anxiety for travellers,” she added.

“This is where the industry and government can work much closer together.”

Speaking at a press briefing ahead of the conference, Lo Bue-Said also said the impending challenges could also present agents with another opportunity to demonstrate their worth.

“The role of travel agents [in explaining the changes in travel] is critical,” she said. “That’s coming through in our surveys as well as when we engage with our members.

“People are still anxious about travelling and there are Brexit-related changes that have not even hit our radar yet. They will all need managing, and travel agents are in the best possible position [to do that].”