Excitement or apathy: will you be taking time off for the Olympics?

2.5 million Brits are expected to take time off work to attend events at the London Olympics this summer according to new research by the Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA).

Furthermore, the research suggests that another five million are planning to be absent from work so that they can watch the Games on TV.

The ABTA’s Victoria Bacon said: “With only six months to go until one of the biggest sporting events in our country’s history, it’s clear that hundreds of thousands, especially the young, will be taking time off to enjoy London 2012.  However, for those who don’t love sports or want to escape the crowds, going abroad will provide a welcome alternative.”

Although the UK, on the face of it, appears to be solidly behind the Games, the ABTA research did uncover a certain amount of disinterest amongst the populace, with 31% stating that they would take no time off at all during the Games and 30% saying they would ignore them entirely if possible.

Coinciding with one of the busiest times of the year for travel, around 40% of Brits are likely to go away, either at home or abroad, during the duration of the Games which run from 27 July to 12 August 2012.