Post Brexit travel research – Welsh data

As the UK prepares to leave the European Union, a new survey shows that many people are still not aware of the benefits of the Common Travel Area with Ireland

• A new survey by Tourism Ireland and YouGov finds that half of those from Wales who are planning a short break in 2020, are interested in visiting Ireland

 As the UK prepares for its departure from the EU later this month, there’s one place in Europe that, despite all the changes, you won’t need your passport for – it’s Ireland. Since 1923 an agreement has been in place called the Common Travel Area that allows citizens of Great Britain and Ireland to freely travel between the two islands without a passport and without visa restrictions.

A new survey, by Tourism Ireland and polling company YouGov, shows that nearly half (45%) of the Welsh aren’t actually aware or don’t know of the Common Travel Area agreement, which makes travelling to and from Ireland as easy as ever. There are no visa restrictions and you only need to show photo ID, such as a driving licence, on arrival in the country. (*NOTE: Ryanair customers do need a passport to travel on Ryanair).

The agreement is a relief given that out of those from the region who are planning a short break in 2020 half said they would be interested in going to Ireland. The majority cited scenery (56%) as a reason for visiting, closely followed by the culture on offer (44%).

The Irish are also renowned for their warmth and friendliness, hence why they topped the survey’s list of locals most British adults would like to spend their holidays mixing with.

Niall Gibbons, CEO of Tourism Ireland, commented: “Brexit doesn’t change the ease of getting to Ireland or the warmth of the welcome. These fascinating findings show not only that Ireland remains as popular as ever in 2020, with many people interviewed saying they are interested in visiting this year, but also that more could be aware of the benefits of the Common Travel Area. Since 1923, it has enabled easy access to Ireland and freedom of movement for both British and Irish citizens.”

In 2018 there were over 4.7 million visitors to the island of Ireland, accounting for over 40% of the total number of visitors*. There are currently 1,600 flights per week from 23 British airports to the island of Ireland and a number of ferry services.

In 2020, there are many more reasons to visit Ireland including Galway being the European Capital of Culture 2020; the hosting of several European Championship football matches; new Game of Thrones^â tours; and a focus on food with the Taste the Island festival.

For further information on visiting Ireland, visit Ireland.com