The European Tourism Association (Etoa) released a survey of more than 100 UK member firms this month, with 20% of companies questioned revealed to be “actively contemplating relocation” to counteract potential constraints.

Tom Jenkins, Etoa chief executive, told TTG he believed the figure was “a very reasonable estimate” based on members’ concerns and the “lack of clarity” offered by government on employment regulation as Brexit negotiations continue.

“Companies need to know that they can compete and if they feel they cannot, then they will have to move – it’s not rocket science,” he said.

Etoa also found that 80% of the companies surveyed, which account for 35,000 staff – a third of which are classified as “non-UK EU nationals” – felt it would be “difficult to impossible” to replace these workers with British staff.

The government currently advises that after the UK leaves the EU in March 2019, EU nationals will need to apply for documentation to prove they have permission to legally work in Britain and is reviewing what the future immigration system will look like”. “We will ensure businesses and communities are given the opportunity to contribute their views on this,” it has said.

Sunvil chairman Noel Josephides said he would be “extremely disappointed” if employment decisions were restricted.

“EU nationals can offer so much to the UK industry and are great communicators and internationally-minded,” he said. “It would be a retrograde step if the system changed.”