EU referendum: Business travellers fear Brexit due to delays at passport control
Concerns over increased airfares and delays at passport control have caused business travellers to feel uncertain about the prospect of Brexit.
New research from DCC Forum found growing concerns among business owners over visa applications for entering countries and increased airfares if Britain leaves the EU.
Almost one in five business travellers are worried about delays at passport control, with one in four saying they feel uncertain about Britain leaving the EU and 21 per cent of business owners worried about the increased cost of airfares.
Read more: Remain or Leave – a matter of war and peace?
Despite concerns over the outcome of the referendum, the majority do not see it as a reason to halt their global business plans or business trips abroad. Over half (67 per cent) of business travellers said that they were definitely expecting to travel abroad and do more business globally next year.
Jennifer Conneely, board member of the DCC Forum, said: “The business community is naturally watching the upcoming EU referendum very closely. Travelling abroad for business has become a regular occurrence for many, so understandably there are questions being raised on how this might change, and what impact it will have on businesses and the broader economy.
"For now, it’s reassuring to see that many business owners still have their sights set on doing more business globally over the next 12 months, despite the concerns and uncertainty surrounding Britain’s future within the EU.”
Read more: Poll indicates Remain has the lead with 50 days to go until the vote
In March travel association Abta warned that the period of uncertainty following a Brexit vote would have an impact on the pound, making the cost of holidaying more expensive, as well as adding costs for UK businesses to buy abroad.
With under 50 days to go until the referendum most polling puts Remain slightly ahead.