A new survey of 2,000 skiers and snowboarders has found that three in five say that they are “more likely to book a winter holiday” once the UK government’s proposed ‘test and release’ scheme is in place for travellers, regardless of a country’s ‘Air Bridge’ status.
The ‘test and release’ scheme involves travellers being tested for coronavirus on arrival back in the UK, then if the result is negative, self-isolating for several days before taking the test again. If negative a second time they will then be released from the requirement to self-isolate for a fortnight, probably in less than a week after landing in the UK.
The government have said they hoped the new scheme could be in place by early December, before the start of the main ski season.
The findings were among a long list of insights into skier thinking ahead of the 20-21 ski season revealed in tour operator Club Med’s eighth annual report.
Other findings include:
- 52% of those who were unable to go skiing last winter have already rebooked for the upcoming season.
- 38% of people are planning an alpine trip because they missed out on a summer holiday in 2020.
- 43% of Brits are prepared to spend more on this year’s winter sports holiday trip compared to previous years.
- 52% said they would still go on a winter sports holiday even if they had to quarantine on arrival back in the UK.
- Half of skiers are booking their winter holiday later than usual.
- 69% are planning to book less than a month in advance and over a third (35%) less than two weeks before departing.
- 77% are considering breaks shorter than a week.
“2020 has been an unprecedented year in the industry but we are seeing that skiers and snowboarders are a passionate and committed group who are desperate to get back on the slopes. While people are understandably cautious in the current context, we know they will bounce back as soon as they are able,” said Estelle Giraudeau, Managing Director, UK & Northern Europe at Club Med which will open a brand new resort in La Rosière this December as well as their first ever Canadian resort, Québec Charlevoix.
