US holidaymakers favouring France again
While last year’s terrorist attacks in Paris may have soured France as a favourable holiday destination in the eyes of some travellers, US holidaymakers planning a trip to Europe this summer are apparently unperturbed, with France taking the top spot on the list of countries to which American travellers will take a trip. This is according to a new survey from Travel Leaders Group in the US, undertaken in April and taking in responses from nearly 3,500 potential travellers. The second most popular destination was Italy, followed by the UK, then Germany, then Spain. However, for US travellers not planning a trip to Europe between now and the end of 2016, safety concerns were still cited as a top priority, suggesting that fear of terrorist activity has not been allayed completely.
“The ‘new normal’ in today’s world means potential risks of travel exist just about everywhere, including here at home,” said Travel Leaders Group’s CEO Ninan Chacko. “So perhaps it’s not surprising that our latest survey data indicates that many Americans will not let fear and threats overtake their desire to embrace the world and experience other cultures; France is a primary example. While each person must decide on their personal level of comfort in travelling to any destination – even those within the US – the survey data shows many are still choosing Europe, and France specifically, as their destination of choice. Travel continues to be one of the single most powerful catalysts for addressing ignorance, fear and hate. Based on our survey findings, a significant number of American travellers agree.”
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