Shambolic is the only way to describe the government’s handling of the UK’s planned exit from the EU. That much is definite.
But the impact of the endless talk surrounding Brexit has already proven to be stark for some operators. One, in a tourism-rich area, has seen booking numbers for its day trip programme decimated, it says.
Why? Because tourists that arrive during the winter and spring months are typically Europeans. They are sensitive both to currency fluctuations and to Brexit itself. They are not coming in the volumes that they have done previously, the operator believes.
The peak season, which sees more arrivals from farther afield who are generally insulated from whatever the upshot of Brexit may be, is entirely different.
Indeed, the operator in question anticipates that demand for coaches during that part of 2019 will outstrip supply to an extent not seen for a long time. Rates will undoubtedly go in the right direction as a result.
So is it time for optimism after a shaky start to the year? Not really.
Although summer will be lucrative, delve below the surface and it becomes clear why there may be a bun-fight for available coaches. Overall demand has largely flat-lined, but the capacity that is available is dropping.
It’s not only visitors’ confidence that has been hit; operators’ has too in some cases. It seems that many are choosing to keep things tight and work with the vehicles (and drivers) that they have. Others have quit the game entirely or downsized, leaving voids to be filled.
One thing is for sure for the industry. The return of political certainty cannot come soon enough – whenever that may be.
