The latest research into our international markets and how COVID-19 is impacting plans to visit Scotland
Explore feedback from our international marketing teams and insight from the latest social listening.
In this section:
Latest update
Travel guidance is changing frequently. For the latest update on travelling to Scotland, please visit the Scottish Government website.
Market intelligence update: Europe
The latest marketing insights from Europe gathered by our VisitScotland marketing teams.
There are currently no travel restrictions for incoming visitors to Scotland or the UK.
Health and recovery of market
France’s state of health emergency, which provided the legal basis for measures taken to contain the spread of new infections, has been replaced by a transitory legal state effective until 31 July 2022.
French authorities are closely monitoring levels of new infection rates. Preventative measures and health protocols reintroduced at the beginning of 2022 are gradually being eased. From 14 March, France’s Coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccination pass has been suspended in all places where it was required (such as leisure and cultural venues, bars, restaurants, trade shows). It will, however, remain in force in health and medical facilities such as hospitals and care homes. Mask requirement has also been fully dropped except on public transport and at health and medical facilities.
The booster vaccination is open to all over 18 as well as 12 to 17-year-olds, and the gap between the last jab and booster has been reduced to three months. The vaccination programme is also available to children aged 5 to 11. Vaccinations are not mandatory for this age group. Vaccinations remain compulsory for all health workers and people working in contact with people that are at a high risk of infection. A fourth vaccine dose is currently being offered to people considered at risk and all people over 80, who have received their booster dose over three months ago.
Quarantine and other travel restrictions
Scotland’s travel rules for people arriving from abroad ended on 18 March. Coronavirus (COVID-19) travel restrictions no longer apply to fully vaccinated and unvaccinated people. New rules might be brought back in at short notice. For the latest advice regarding Scotland’s travel restrictions, please visit the Scottish Government’s website.
Entry requirements for travellers to France depend on the health situation in the country of departure and the vaccination status of the traveller. Since 30 March, the UK has been classified as a green country.
Since 30 January, to continue to be considered as fully vaccinated, travellers aged 18 and over who had their full vaccine regiment over nine months ago and have not since received a Coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine booster must follow the rules for unvaccinated passengers in order to enter France.
Pre-departure Coronavirus (COVID-19) testing as well as the sworn statement to enter France from the UK are no longer required. Proof of a full vaccination regiment is still needed. Unvaccinated travellers coming from a green country do not require a compelling reason to travel but still need to provide a negative Coronavirus (COVID-19) test taken less than 48 hours (lateral flow test) or 72 hours (PCR test) before departure.
Aviation
Please note that airline and ferry schedules remain subject to change. For an overview of European airline carriers with direct routes to Scotland and ferry operators with crossings between France and South England, please refer to our overseas travel pages. We advise visitors to check latest connectivity, fares and safety measures directly with the transport providers.
Intermediary insights and horizon scanning
Enquiries from French tour operators are largely focusing on Scotland’s entry requirements, industry re-opening and health and safety measures.
Most operators are now looking at 2022/23 for recovery. Demand for Scotland is looking strong, and it can be expected that this demand will convert into more bookings since all testing requirements between France and the UK were dropped on 12 February. It is expected that groups will start returning to Scotland from May onwards and that 2023 brochures will be published earlier to stimulate demand for 2023 and compensate lack of business at the start of 2022.
Flexible terms and conditions, clear health and safety measures in place and reassurance message will be key for market recovery and French visitors’ return to Scotland. Shorter booking windows and last-minute bookings are to be expected with free independent travellers being keen to travel as soon as it is possible.
Current product/travel trends in market are responsible tourism products, slow travel, nature-based and agritourism activities, hidden gems and off the beaten track destinations. Travel intentions are showing a strong interest for cities and touring holidays in Scotland.
Currently, French travel trade is facing some issues with staff recruitment. Reduced staff in agencies and high level of enquiries for all destinations including Scotland means that not all client requests can be met with high standards and sometimes have to be turned down due to lack of resources.
For more insights into the French market, see our visitors from France page.
There are currently no travel restrictions for incoming visitors to Scotland or the UK.
Health and recovery of market
German authorities are closely monitoring the country’s R- and incidence rates, as well as hospitalisation rates. The R rate was 0.92 this week, and case numbers throughout Germany have dropped since mid-March, with the 7-day incidence rate standing at 842 per 100,000. Coronavirus (COVID-19) is not currently considered critical to the functioning of German healthcare systems and both the R rate, and the 7-day incidence rate have dropped in the month, despite re-opening the country.
Germany relaxed most restrictions at the beginning of April but maintains the obligation to wear facemasks on public transport. Going forward, the federal states will be able to introduce restrictions by declaring an area a “hotspot”. Considerations on classification include case numbers, any new variants, and the functioning of local healthcare systems. This means that future restrictions will once again vary from state to state, and possibly even internally within states.
The length of the self-isolation period is now also determined at a state level. This means that self-isolation can vary from 5-10 days with the possibility of early release using a negative test or in some cases, the absence of symptoms.
The German vaccination programme is well underway and has been made available to all adults, teenagers, and to children aged 5 to 11 since December. A booster programme has also been successful, and 59.1% of the population have now received booster jabs.
Switzerland and Austria removed restrictions earlier than Germany at the end of February and the start of March respectively.
Since 1 July 2021, the European CovPass app is active and makes travel between EU countries easier by enabling German visitors to access proof of vaccination or recovery from Coronavirus (COVID-19) as well as negative test results and recovered status.
Quarantine and other travel restrictions
Scotland’s travel rules for people arriving from abroad ended on Friday 18 March. Coronavirus (COVID-19) travel rules no longer apply to fully vaccinated and unvaccinated. New rules might be brought back in at short notice. For the latest advice regarding Scotland’s travel rules, please visit the Scottish Government’s website.
Since 4 March, all countries have been removed from both of Germany’s travel restriction classification lists. In the future, countries could be added to the high-incidence areas list, if a virus variant more dangerous than omicron would develop there. Fully vaccinated travellers returning to Germany can use any means of transportation without the need to quarantine in Germany. Returning people who are not fully vaccinated require a compelling reason for travel or have to be a German citizen or resident. They must also self-isolate for 10 days after arrival. This period can be shortened after a negative test result on day five.
Aviation
Please note that airline schedules remain subject to change. For an overview of European airline carriers with direct routes into Scotland, please refer to our overseas travel pages. We advise visitors to check latest connectivity, air fares and latest safety measures directly with the airlines.
Ferry operations with DFDS are still ongoing, giving German visitors the option of travelling to Scotland via seaports in the Netherlands and Northern England. The P&O Ferries route between Rotterdam and Hull is currently reduced, with services every other day, affecting some DACH groups.
Intermediary insights and horizon scanning
German tour operators are pleased to hear that Coronavirus (COVID-19) based travel restrictions have been removed. Flexible terms and conditions, clear health and safety measures, and a strong reassurance message will be key for market recovery from Germany.
There is a strong pent-up demand amongst German holidaymakers. Apart from beach holidays, there is a noticeable trend in Germany for responsible and immersive travel. This fits in well with what Scotland has to offer and suggests potential for the coming seasons. It is also expected that the desire for adventure and exploring will come back in 2022, and tour operators expect Scotland to be very popular.
For more insights into the German market, see our visitors from Germany page.
There are currently no travel restrictions for incoming visitors to Scotland or the UK.
Health and recovery of market
Authorities in the Benelux and Nordic countries are closely monitoring levels of new infection rates. All Northern European countries are managing their restrictions separately. Over 70% of the population in each nation is fully vaccinated and the booster rollout is well underway.
In Belgium and the Netherlands, it is still necessary to wear face coverings on public transport and in some settings such as hospitals. All other Coronavirus (COVID-19) restrictions have been lifted.
There are no longer any Coronavirus (COVID-19) restrictions in place in Sweden, Norway and Denmark.
Quarantine and other travel restrictions
Scotland’s travel restrictions ended on Friday 18 March for both fully vaccinated and unvaccinated travellers. New rules might be brought back in at short notice. More information about the new simplified system can be found on the Scottish government website.
Since 1 July, the European CovPass app has been active and makes travel between EU countries easier by enabling visitors to access proof of vaccination or recovery from Coronavirus (COVID-19) as well as negative test results and recovered status.
There are still some travel rules in place in Belgium and they are maintaining a colour code system for origin destinations. The UK is currently dark red, so Belgian residents returning home from travel in Scotland will be asked to fill in a passenger locator form, but as long as they present evidence that they are fully vaccinated or recovered, they do not have to test or isolate. There are some exemptions for short trips of less than 48 hours.
The Netherlands relaxed their travel restrictions but Dutch nationals returning home from Scotland are still required to complete a health declaration and prove they are fully vaccinated. Testing upon return is encouraged but not mandatory.
Sweden, Norway and Denmark have lifted all Coronavirus (COVID-19) related travel restrictions.
Aviation
Please note that airline schedules remain subject to change. For an overview of European airline carriers with direct routes into Scotland, please refer to our overseas travel pages. We advise visitors to check latest connectivity, air fares and latest safety measures directly with the airlines.
Ferry operations are still ongoing, giving visitors from the Benelux countries the option of travelling to Scotland via seaports in the Netherlands and North England with DFDS Seaways, P&O Ferries or Stena Line. The P&O Ferries route between Rotterdam and Hull is currently reduced which is affecting some travellers.
Intermediary insights and horizon scanning
A trend that can be seen for Northern Europe is that people are currently less inclined to fly, instead travelling with their own cars is becoming more and more popular. Also, off-season travel is on many tour operators’ radars as it may be more affordable, and places of interest will not be as crowded. Travel agents are reporting more interest in destinations that are closer to home, such as Scotland. In general bookings via travel agents have become more popular, especially for families, as they can offer more security and money back guarantee.
The furlough scheme remained in place longer in some Nordic countries meaning that some travel trade contacts only returned to work in autumn 2021 and there are ongoing challenges with staff capacity. However, interest from intermediaries is growing and they are reporting high demand for Scotland. The Nordics are reportedly one of the fastest recovering markets in terms of travel bookings.
For more insights on the Netherlands, Norway and Sweden, see our country specific pages:
There are currently no travel restrictions for incoming visitors to Scotland or the UK.
Health and recovery of market
Authorities in Spain, Italy, Portugal and Greece are closely monitoring levels of new infection rates. All Southern European countries are managing their restrictions separately, even region by region within each country, imposing local or regional restrictions when necessary. Over 80% of the population in each nation is fully vaccinated and the booster rollout is well underway.
Facemasks in outdoor spaces are no longer mandatory in Spain, Italy, Greece and Portugal since contagion rates and other indicators have fallen for several days. Governments consider the Coronavirus (COVID-19) situation to be manageable. On 20 April, Spain will lift the requirement to wear face masks indoors, except on public transport and in hospitals and retirement homes.
Italy decided not to extend its state of emergency beyond 31 March and have removed the system of coloured zones (red, orange, yellow, white), which indicated the risk classification of regions and the restrictive measures to be implemented.
Italy and Greece require a Coronavirus (COVID-19) certificate proving the vaccination or recovered status for all public indoor venues such as museums, restaurants, clubs, gyms, casinos, conferences, cinemas, theatres and exhibitions.
Quarantine and other travel restrictions
Scotland’s travel rules for people arriving from abroad ended on Friday 18 March. Coronavirus (COVID-19) travel rules no longer apply to fully vaccinated and unvaccinated travellers. New rules might be brought back in at short notice. For the latest advice regarding Scotland’s travel rules, please visit the Scottish Governement’s website.
Since 1 July 2021, the European CovPass app has been active and makes travel between EU countries easier by enabling visitors to access proof of vaccination or recovery from Coronavirus (COVID-19) as well as negative test results and recovered status.
Since 1 March, fully vaccinated visitors travelling home to Italy will no longer need to take a Coronavirus (COVID-19) test prior to arrival if they can prove their vaccination status. If they are not fully vaccinated, they will need to show a certificate proving their recovery or take an antigenic test (within 24 hours prior to departure) or a PCR test (within 48 hours prior to departure). All people entering Italy must complete a passenger locator form. The requirement for 5 days of self-isolation upon arrival has been removed.
Fully vaccinated visitors and those who can show proof of recovery from Coronavirus (COVID-19) do not have to isolate or test on return to Spain, Portugal and Greece. Visitors travelling with a printed PDF proof of vaccination status must ensure the document dates from 1 November 2021 to guarantee that the certificate can be scanned successfully.
Spain and Greece have also removed the need to present a passenger locator form on arrival for visitors able to demonstrate fully vaccinated status.
Aviation
Please note that airline schedules remain subject to change. For an overview of European airline carriers with direct routes into Scotland, please refer to our overseas travel pages. We advise visitors to check latest connectivity, air fares and latest safety measures directly with the airlines.
Intermediary insights and horizon scanning
Holiday bookings for international destinations are recovering both in Spain and Italy. Scotland is generating great interest, especially in Spain, although tour operators and travel agents are facing some difficulties to convert these enquiries into bookings due to high prices and shortage of direct flights from Spain to Scotland, especially from main airports in Madrid and Barcelona.
Wholesalers, tour operators and travel agencies in Spain and Italy are still operating with reduced staff numbers. In addition, some tour operators in Italy have experienced high staff turnover during the pandemic and now must train new staff in peak season which is impacting their operations.
Market intelligence update: Australia, Canada, China, USA, GCC and India
The latest marketing insights from Australia, Canada, China, the USA, GCC and India gathered from our VisitScotland marketing teams.
After having some of the most stringent Coronavirus (COVID-19) restrictions across the globe, Australia is ready to welcome back fully vaccinated visa holder travellers from 21 February 2021 without the need for testing or additional quarantine. A digital passenger declaration will be required to be completed and submitted within 72 hours before departure.
Unvaccinated visa holders will still require a valid travel exemption to enter Australia.
Those vaccinated in Australia are recognised by the UK/Scotland Governments in the eligible vaccinated traveller policy (previously only UK, EU/EFTA and USA), where vaccine certification meets appropriate standards.
With the easing of travel restrictions at the end of 2021, December 2021 saw the single biggest increase for both arrivals and departures for international travel since the pandemic. Provisional figures released saw 196,000 arrivals while provisional departures was at 229,000.
There have been some consolidation with the travel distribution network in Australia however, tour operators and travel agents are reporting success and confidence with internal cross-state travel and suggest this interest and demand for travel will continue to international short and long-haul markets, when restrictions are further lifted. Trade continue to explore development opportunities for 2022, 2023 and beyond.
See our visitors from Australia page for more insights into the Australian market.
The last few months, Canadian travellers or anyone entering Canada have been subject to pre-departure and on-arrival testing. The Canadian Government has come under a lot of pressure for this to be removed as this was seen as a major barrier to travel especially for families.
From 28 February, fully vaccinated travellers will no longer be required to take a pre-departure PCR test prior to arriving into Canada. Travelers will be allowed to take a rapid antigen test up to 24 hours prior to their scheduled flight. On-arrival random testing will continue but without the requirement to quarantine until a negative test is returned. Pre-arrival information will also still be required via the ArriveCan app.
The travel advisory against non-essential travel for Canadians will also be downgraded to level 2 – practice special precautions.
Canada is recognised by the UK/Scotland Governments in the eligible vaccinated traveller policy (previously only UK, EU/EFTA and USA), where vaccine certification meets appropriate standards. Currently to enter Scotland, fully vaccinated visitors need only to complete a passenger locator form. All testing requirements for fully vaccinated passengers has been removed.
The Canadian aviation industry has started to pick up, with increased flights both domestically and internationally. Air Transat have restarted their Toronto – Glasgow service with a reduced service increasing in into summer. Air Canada have scheduled the restart of their Toronto – Edinburgh service from June 2022. WestJet has announced they will increase their Scotland services from summer 2022 flying from Toronto to both Glasgow and Edinburgh. This is in addition to their Halifax – Glasgow service.
The Canadian travel trade are ready to send visitors to Scotland and now with further easing of border restrictions, we may see an increase in visits from the visiting friends and relations (VFR) market initially. It is anticipated that travel from Canada to Scotland will continue to increase as testing measures are relaxed and flights return.
China’s vaccination programme is on the UK’s list of “approved overseas vaccination programmes” and therefore, fully vaccinated travellers no longer require a pre-departure test and do not need to quarantine on arrival or take any further tests. They do, however, need to complete passenger locator form in the three days before travelling.
Strict quarantine remains in place for travellers returning to China including two to three-week quarantine in hotel quarantine facilities at travellers’ own expense.
Health and recovery of market
China has now administered 3.18 billion doses of the vaccine, fully vaccinating 1.23 billion people (87.4% of the population) and has launched their booster campaign in earnest.
China continues to pursue a policy of zero tolerance and therefore international travel is unlikely to resume significantly before the middle of the year.
Quarantine and other travel restrictions
Travel restrictions in China remain some of the strictest in the world. While visa centres are open and processing leisure visa applications, the sale of leisure package holidays (anything that includes flight plus hotel) remains suspended.
Airlines continue to fly a limited number of international routes and report that they are at maximum capacity.
Virgin Atlantic, Air China, and China Southern will begin “testing” direct flights between the UK and China from this month. However, these will be closely monitored to see if Coronavirus (COVID-19) safe measures are effective in preventing new cases on arrival in China.
Beyond these test flights, the Civil Aviation Administration China retains its policy that if all inbound passengers on an airline test negative for Coronavirus (COVID-19) for three weeks in a row, the operating airline will be allowed to increase its number of flights to two per week from the mandated one.
If the number of passengers testing positive reaches five, the airline's flights will be suspended for a week. The suspension will last for four weeks if the number of passengers who test positive for Coronavirus (COVID-19) is between 5 and 10. After any length of suspension, an airline returns to the mandated one flight per week.
Intermediary insights and horizon scanning
The travel trade in China remains primarily focussed on domestic travel, but VisitScotland continue to work closely with intermediaries to develop new Scotland itineraries and encourage sustainable and responsible new product uptake.
A significant number of buyers from China are expected to attend Discover Scotland: Reconnect in 2022 and there is appetite for updates from Scotland.
For more insights into the Chinese market see our visitors from China page or view our China toolkit.
As of 2 March 2022, the current 7-day moving average of daily new cases (53,017) decreased 28.5% compared with the previous 7-day moving average (74,143). A total of 78,977,146 Coronavirus (COVID-19) cases have been reported in the United States as of 2 March 2022.
Community transmission remains high in our key visitor direct marketing associations of California, New York, Texas, Florida and Illinois.
Currently 76.5% or 254,132,442 of the US population have received their first dose of the vaccine with 65.1% or 216,204,455 fully vaccinated. 44.1% or 95,269,125 have received their booster.
Travel restrictions
If you’re fully vaccinated, you do not need to isolate when you arrive in Scotland, but there are two things you must do before you travel:
- Make sure that you are able to prove you are fully vaccinated
- Complete a Passenger Locator Form available on the Scottish Government website
Further information can be found on the Scottish Government website.
On 19 July 2021, the US state department and the US centers for disease control and prevention (CDC) both issued their highest warnings against travel to the United Kingdom because of a rising number of Coronavirus (COVID-19) cases.
Aviation
There are several US air routes connecting key hubs in the US with London Heathrow. Direct air routes between Scotland and the US resumed on 4 March 2022. Please note that airline schedules are subject to change, so please check directly with the airline for the latest guidance.
Intermediary insights and horizon scanning
Continued interest from US travel trade, who are reporting an expected surge in demand once markets are fully opened. Product development continues for many US operators looking at opportunities for 2022, 2023 and beyond.
For more insights into the US market, see our visitors from the US page.
94.7% of people in the UAE, 77% of people in Qatar and 69% of people in Saudi Arabia have been fully vaccinated as of 9 February 2022.
From 11 February 2022, fully vaccinated travellers from the UAE, Qatar and Saudi Arabia, three of our key markets in the GCC, can enter the UK without the need to quarantine and are not required to take a pre-departure or day two Coronavirus (COVID-19) test. Travellers will still be required to complete a passenger locator form before they travel to the UK.
Non-UAE nationals returning to the UAE from the United Kingdom must hold a negative Coronavirus (COVID-19) PCR-test taken no more than 48 hours before the scheduled flight departure from the UK. Self-testing kits, even if supervised by a registered healthcare professional, are not accepted.
UAE nationals, their first-degree relatives and their domestic/house workers and helpers are exempt from the pre-departure testing requirement and instead will take a PCR-test on arrival.
Fully vaccinated citizens and residents of Qatar must do a pre-departure PCR-test, within 72 hours of arrival into Qatar. They must then do a rapid antigen test within 36 hours of arrival at a registered healthcare provider. Self-tests are not accepted.
From 9 February 2022, all Saudi citizens departing Saudi Arabia must have received a booster dose of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine.
Everyone travelling to Saudi Arabia (including Saudi citizens) must have a valid negative Coronavirus (COVID-19) PCR or antigen test, regardless of their immunisation status. This test has to be carried out within 48 hours of their departure to Saudi Arabia.
Direct flights from Dubai to Glasgow have resumed with four flights per week. Likewise, direct flights from Doha to Edinburgh also have resumed with four flights per week.
Anecdotally, confidence in overseas travel is returning and we have good connectivity, so we hope to see summer 2022 bookings from these markets.
Cases of Coronavirus (COVID-19) in India have reduced significantly from their May 2021 peak.
As of 9 February 2022, 53.3% of the population has been fully vaccinated.
Fully vaccinated visitors from India to the UK will, as of 11 February 2022, no longer be required to take a pre-departure Coronavirus (COVID-19) test, quarantine, or take a day two test.
Travellers returning to India from the UK must have a negative RT-PCR-test result 72 hours before departure, complete an online declaration form, take another PCR-test at the airport on arrival to India. Moreover, they have to wait for the results before departing the airport and then must quarantine at home for seven days. Lastly, travellers have to take another PCR-test on day eight to be released from home quarantine.
International flights to and from India were suspended in March 2020. Since then, bilateral agreements led to a limited number of chartered flights which allowed some traffic between the UK and India, albeit reduced from pre-coronavirus (COVID-19) levels and lower capacity led to extremely high ticket prices. India announced the resumption of regular international flights starting 15 December 2021, but with restricted services to and from 11 countries (including Europe and the UK) as they are considered to be higher risk because of Coronavirus (COVID-19) infections.
For countries considered high risk but with which India has a “bubble agreement” in place (this includes the UK) about 75% of pre-coronavirus (COVID-19) operations will be allowed.
Resumption of services will offer more options and lower fares for travellers eager to travel internationally.
For more insights into the Indian market see our visitors from India page.
International COVID-19 sentiment research
In partnership with VisitBritain, Visit Wales, and London & Partners, research was commissioned to understand international consumer sentiment towards international travel during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The third phase of the International Consumer Sentiment Research has now been completed (fieldwork 23 August - 6 September 2021) covering 13 markets; Australia, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Irish Republic, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden, USA – sample size 7,500 respondents who have travelled abroad at least once in the past three years.
- Desire to travel internationally remains very high and has increased in all markets surveyed. Eight in 10 respondents now intend to travel internationally certainly or probably in the coming 12 months showing a steady and more established desire to travel despite prolonged pandemic uncertainties.
- By age, whilst younger demographics still have the highest propensity to travel there is a growing sentiment for travel for older generations as the vaccination rate increases. It is actually those aged 55+ who are more likely to have already decided (and booked) their next international leisure trip.
- Overall, over 4 in 10 (43%) have a clear plan in mind about where they want to go but only 13% have booked their trip, making the destination choice still open for the next year. The USA, Netherlands, Germany and Irish Republic are the most likely to have booked their trip. The majority of leisure intenders having Britain destinations in mind had booked with the majority still considering a wider set of destinations.
- Markets are still primarily motivated by holidays to take their leisure trip (86%) but stable proportion still express interest to visit friends and/or relatives (34%) showing the continued pent up demand to connect with others in the current climate.
- A combination of health and money-related factors are still top for triggering bookings for international travel in the next 12 months, however, a money-back guarantee is now the number one activator for trip planning.
- Travellers’ intentions show increasing expectations for living the full destination experience, including socialising activities and a high demand for food-related experiences.
- Europe continues to be the most popular global region, with 63% of respondents saying they would consider travelling there. This is most pronounced in short haul markets (75% would consider it), but Europe remains top in long haul markets too (48%). 13% of those interested in leisure trips in Europe would consider Britain specifically.
- Regarding top European destinations for travellers, Britain has increased its competitive ranking in most short haul markets except Germany and Spain, with a top 3 spot in the Nordic markets, Italy, and the Irish Republic. Its position is much higher in long haul markets, being the top European destination for China and Australia, and in the top four for India, Canada and the US – although the latter two are down by one each compared to wave 2.
- Overall perceptions of all Britain destinations in term of COVID-19 safety have improved, with 2/3 of respondents now rating it as COVID-19 safe – as opposed to December 2020, where they were in the minority. This has increased the most since March 2021 for Australian and Chinese respondents specifically, but also in closer markets like France and Spain.
- For destinations within Britain, 55% are interested in England, 39% in Scotland, and 18% in Wales (multiple answers allowed). Long haul markets are generally more interested in all three, with India listing the most interest in all three regions. Germany was the only nation to list Scotland higher than England (40% vs 38%) although Spain was tied for both (49% each).
Visit the Visit Britain website for a summary of the research.
