JTC Survey Results

JTC Survey Results

Just Travel Cover Winter Survey THE RESULTS.

INTRODUCTION AND CONTEXT Coronavirus was declared a pandemic in March 2020, resulting in a global travel ban and thousands of cancelled holidays. Since then, the UK has faced local, regional, and national restrictions which has impacted our daily lives as well as disrupting travel plans. Much of the world remains on the FCD O’s “essential travel only” list including popular countries such as Spain, France, and the USA. There is still a blanket ban on cruise travel and for areas where travel is permitted, a quarantine period is often required on arrival or return to the UK. Despite the introduction of “travel corridors”, countries like Portugal, Greece, Spain, and the Canaries have been added and removed, leading to low confidence and a reported 90% drop in overseas travel. The news of an approved vaccine, the creation of a government ‘travel task force’ a new “test to release” scheme have all provided hope for 2021. To plan effectively for the year ahead we must understand the feelings of our customers, their thoughts around travel and how the pandemic may have affected their plans. As such we carried out a survey in December and the results are below.

THE NUMBERS: WHO DID WE ASK? Surveys completed 1,602 Under 18 0

0% 1% 2%

18 - 34 35 - 44 45 - 54 55 - 64 65 - 74 75 - 84

23 39

173 392 628 313

11% 24% 39% 20%

85 +

34

2%

We surveyed a wide cross section of adults over 45, with more than 80% of those between 45 and 84.

OVERALL RESPONSES

Firstly, looking at the overall responses, we analyse responses to each question.

QUESTION 1

Do you plan on going on holiday in 2021? If so, how many holidays would you like to take?

Yes – 1 holiday Yes – 2 holidays

26% 45% 25%

Yes – 3 holidays or more

No – I don’t think I will go on holiday

4%

It is encouraging to see that 96% are planning at least one holiday, demonstrating that there is pent up demand, with many missing out on holidays in 2020 due to Covid. After a challenging year it can be assumed many people plan to ‘make up for lost time’ , especially those who are unlikely to have been impacted by redundancy (retirees) and simply have disposable cash to upgrade their standard holiday style or take additional breaks.

70% of people are planning two or more holidays.

QUESTION 2

If you are planning a holiday, where is it likely to be?

Within Europe Further afield

53% 14% 23% 11%

Both

Not sure

More than half of people ONLY plan to visit Europe, and 37% are still hoping to go beyond Europe. It is interesting that 11% are not sure where they want to go, despite 96% saying they plan on going abroad, indicating that people simply want a holiday, although it could be argued people are waiting to see what the economic and political landscape looks like before making a decision.

QUESTION 3

Are you planning on taking the Coronavirus vaccine if/when you are offered it?

Most people (89%) are planning on taking the Coronavirus vaccine, with only 3% categorically saying No to this question.

Yes No

89%

3% 8%

Not sure

QUESTION 4

Would you take the Coronavirus vaccine if it became a requirement of international travel?

Interestingly these figures change slightly if taking the vaccine became a requirement of international travel, with a further 5% saying they would take it (94%), and only 1% answering no - further demonstrating a burning desire to travel once it is safe to do so.

Yes No

94%

1% 5%

Not sure

QUESTION 5

Would the requirement of a Covid test (PCR/Antigen) before you travel to a particular destination put you off choosing that country for your holiday?

Yes No

14% 70% 16%

Not sure

Many countries now require proof of a negative Covid test on arrival, taken 72 hours before departure. Most people do not seem to have concerns about that, with 70% saying the requirement for a test would not make them change destination. However, as 30% are either unsure or would decide against travel to a country where testing is required, it is important that testing capacity is improved, antigen tests are approved, or testing-free travel becomes possible again.

QUESTION 6

In relation to travel and coronavirus, what would you say is your biggest concern?

Contracting Covid and being hospitalised abroad?

55%

Having to cancel due to you or family member testing positive? Change in government / FCDO advice after you had booked Having to source a Covid test and await results in time to travel

9%

23% 10%

Other

3%

While enhanced cover for coronavirus has been promoted heavily, only 9% of people would say that having to cancel due to Covid is their biggest concern.

In fact, being hospitalised abroad is the biggest worry, cited by 55% of people.

QUESTION 7

Would you specifically look for enhanced Covid cover (for cancellation) when buying Travel Insurance for your next holiday?

Yes No

64%

8%

I need more information

28%