What does Brexit mean for travellers to Europe?

As the momentous decision in favour of the UK’s exit from the EU comes to pass, it’s time to reflect on what this means for international travellers.
Regardless of whether you believe Brexit is a positive or negative move for the UK, there will undoubtedly be repercussions on travellers in the wake of the decision.
The UK Pound has dropped 9.8 per cent, with the value of the pound to the dollar at 1.3415 in early trading since the referendum result became clear. This means a UK holiday is going to be cheaper for most foreign tourists than it has been for the past 20 years. In-destination trip costs such as accommodation, dining, entertainment and shopping will allow significantly better value for the foreign traveller after exchanging their local currency to pounds.
You can possibly expect to see a number of changes at arrival points in UK airports; previously, travellers from EU countries were permitted visa-free entry. Now the Brexit result could mean busier entry lines at customs as they queue up with other international visitors.
The UK’s airline network may also have to review regulations; it had secured single aviation area treaties across Europe as a part of EU. New regulations may increase the UK carriers’ airfare costs. However, accommodation costs could drop, as Britain fights to retain its large inbound visitor numbers from Europe, who will no longer be able to travel freely to the country.
As a long-serving entry hub to Europe, London may now be increasingly challenged by other key EU hub airports such as Paris, Frankfurt, and Amsterdam, which will offer inbound travellers easier onward movement around EU member countries. Although it will take time, it’s likely the UK government will try to negotiate similar travel agreements to replicate those in place as a member of the EU.
High spending Arab travellers from the Gulf nations, among whom London has retained its position as the most popular European destination for some time at www.wego.ae, may consider other destinations to take advantage of, for shopping and holiday opportunities. Rome is still popular within Europe, and football events drive visitors to Spain and France.”
As the dust settles, there’s no doubt that we will see visible changes in the UK’s travel industry, and the government will have the unenviable task of implementing independent regulations to maintain the country’s position as a global tourism hub and gateway to Europe.
As told to Khaleej Times by Ross Veitch, CEO and co-founder of Wego, the travel search engine.

• UAE