Britons now "actively avoiding islamic countries"

The Balearics, which remain one of the most popular holiday choices for Brits Photo: Lone Snapper

Britons on holiday are now "actively avoiding Islamic countries", according to a new survey, as tourists become concerned about their safety abroad.

The study by Travelzoo shows that Britons are becoming increasingly concerned over their personal safety and the safety of their families when abroad. When asked how events had impacted their willingness to travel abroad, just over half said recent acts of terrorism (54 per cent) and the migrant situation (51 per cent) had directly influenced how they feel about taking overseas holidays.

Three-quarters said they are now "actively avoiding Islamic countries" for holiday destinations, while a similar number said they were put off travelling through the Channel Tunnel or by Eurostar because of the ongoing migrant crisis.

"Usually when Britain has a cool and wet summer, we are keen to take holiday somewhere warm. The events of this summer, however, have impacted the choices British consumers are making about where to go. This is particularly true, at least in the short term, for some of the previously popular tourist destinations amongst British tourists," says Yeganeh Morakabati, Academic in Risk and Tourism at Bournemouth University.

Indeed, over half (54 per cent) now feel confused and overwhelmed about where is safe to travel to and nearly a third admitted they are not aware which countries have been put on high alert by the Foreign & Commonwealth Office for British tourists.

70 per cent of British consumers now regularly consult the FCO site when looking to book a trip overseas to ensure it is safe.

Old favourites, such as The Canaries, meanwhile, are looking more popular than ever, while the Caribbean and Australia are also common choices for winter sun.

Hodges notes, though, that the desire to travel shows "no sign of abating".