Indian tourists, students to gain from Brexit: Experts

Aviation experts believe that with United Kingdom deciding to leave the European Union, more Indian tourists could be flocking to the country, as it could now be a cheaper option. Following the Brexit referendum results, the UK pound has depreciated.

Experts said UK could emerge as a more attractive holiday destination owing to the depreciating UK pound.

Harsh Mehta, an aviation expert, said that Britain was an attractive destination, and with the fall in pound, Indians could stand to benefit. “Also, to make its economy strong and to stay in competition, Britain might come up with concessions for tourists. In cases of bookings already done, agents will be benefited, as now expenses will be lower than estimated at the time of booking by tourists,” he said.

Meanwhile, Yatra.com’s president Sharat Dhall said that the students who go from India to Europe for higher studies would benefit the most as living costs in the country would be reduced by almost 10 per cent.

“As of now, there is no impact on air fare, but in Britain people will have to pay less for hotels, food and other facilities.”

“If UK pound continues to remain weak, then UK will become a very attractive destination for Indian air travellers,” he added.

Speaking about the positive implications of the Brexit, another travel industry expert David Tarsh of Tarsh Consulting said, “Overnight, hotel rooms, taxis, restaurants, and all visitor destinations in the UK have become more attractive. Similarly, my firm too will provide better value for money.”