Eurotunnel Le Shuttle caters for growing need to self-distance while travelling to the Continent
The lockdown hasn’t stopped hopeful Britons dreaming about escaping to sunnier climes once restrictions are lifted yet the way they travel this summer may change, new research* by Eurotunnel Le Shuttle has uncovered.
The survey found that 68% of UK adults are looking for ways to avoid travelling in close proximity to strangers and 69% said that safety has become a more important factor in their holiday plans; with two out of five adults (44%) stating they will be more likely to travel abroad if social distanced travel were to be available. Nearly half of those surveyed (49%) said they will choose to stay in self-catered accommodation, be it an apartment or house/villa after lockdown measures are lifted.
As 50% of UK consumers said they will be looking to travel by car and avoid aeroplanes, ships and crowded places on their next holiday** Eurotunnel Le Shuttle finds itself ideally placed to provide the ultimate social distancing travel. Holidaymakers do not need to leave their car, thanks to automated check in, with number plate recognition, and remaining in their car once on the train.
With 22% of UK holidaymakers considering France for an overseas holiday this summer, all eyes are on 15th June when it is reported France will open its borders to leisure travellers.
Deborah Merrens, the Chief Commercial Officer of Eurotunnel, said: “The results show consumers are shaping their attitudes and holiday plans towards the new normal of social distancing. We’ve already seen an uptick in summer bookings of 130% so far in June as customers look for safe, comfortable ways to travel to the Continent which is exactly what we provide. About 45% of our bookings are from new customers who are realising there is no need to leave their car for the 35 minute journey between Folkestone and Calais, so they can travel to Europe and beyond safely and easily.”
For additional security, Eurotunnel Le Shuttle has introduced new refundable ticket types where customers will be fully reimbursed should they be unable to travel.
For more information and social distancing holiday ideas, visit www.eurotunnel.com.