Despite the several incidences of terrorist attacks that have struck the UK this year, demand for travel to Europe is still in the cards, say travel agencies in Singapore.
Britain has raised its terror threat level to “critical” following last Tuesday’s bombing in Manchester, which claimed 22 lives and injured 59 at the Manchester Arena. In March, four were killed and more than 50 wounded when a terrorist drove a car into pedestrians on the Westminster Bridge in London.
Piccadilly Circus Square
Still, Singapore travellers are gearing for trips to the UK.
“We have several groups departing weekly to the UK from now to the end of the June school holidays,” confirmed Justine Koh, spokesperson for Chan Brothers Travel.
However, the agency is closely monitoring the local situation with its ground operators, and will make “necessary changes” to itineraries if needed, said Koh.
Likewise, tour groups with Dynasty Travel will continue to depart, as May to July remains “the peak season for holidaymakers”, said Alicia Seah, director of public relations and communications. The tour operator will also continue to monitor the situation and adjust tour programmes if necessary, she added.
When it comes to new UK bookings, Dynasty Travel is bracing for a short-term dip in demand, shared Seah, but is confident that interest will bounce back.
She revealed: “The terrorists attacks in various European cities did not impact travel demand in the long run. There seems to be a ‘carry on as normal’ culture in response to terrorism… The current attack will not likely have a long-term impact that deters foreign tourists.”
For Chan Brothers Travel, “demand for Europe remains consistently strong as one of the top three choices for Singaporeans”, and the operator has seen a 30 percent year-on-year growth in demand for travel to the UK, owing to the British pound slumping against the Singapore dollar, Koh revealed.
“Should the pound keep sliding, this demand looks set to continue,” she added.
