kkk 7 Posted January 5, 2009 Share Posted January 5, 2009 The weak pound is likely to affect the choice of holiday destination in 2009 according to ABTA, which represents travel agents and tour operators. Sterling fell by more than 30% against the euro and the US dollar last year. Egypt and Turkey, with lower living costs, are likely to benefit and both countries saw increases of more than 30% in visitors from the UK last year. Mexico, Cuba, Dubai, Croatia and Australia are among other destinations predicted to do well this year. Biggest winners Spain is the most popular destination for British tourists with around 12 million holidays taken there each year. Around seven million holidays are taken in France with more than two million in the US and Italy. Around 1.3 million are currently taken in Turkey. Frances Tuke from ABTA says Turkey and Egypt will do well this year: "Last year we saw an increase in visitors to Turkey by 32% and visitors Egypt up by 38%. "We think those will be the two biggest winners in 2009." Simon Calder, travel editor for the Independent, believes that tourists who do go to countries like Spain which have adopted the euro will be looking to make economies: "People will be indulging in austerity tourism. "Let's not go out for a lovely lunch in Paris, let's wait until the weather's a little bit warmer and go for a picnic in the Place des Vosges." Holiday by numbers The currency sterling has fared worst against in the last year is the yen. The Japanese currency has appreciated by around 69%. Link to post Share on other sites
grungy-gonads 54 Posted January 5, 2009 Share Posted January 5, 2009 I remember just 7 months ago when I was thinking how expensive UK was. I reckon now it would be a fun fun buying spree. Link to post Share on other sites
BagOfCrisps 24 Posted January 5, 2009 Share Posted January 5, 2009 It is quite strange to see shops with 70% OFF and hardly anyone bothering. There's this "scared into not spending" cloud hanging over the place. Link to post Share on other sites
Tubby Beaver 209 Posted January 6, 2009 Share Posted January 6, 2009 GG it was awesome!! EVERYTHING was cheap, I had a ball. Got some new clothes, a new watch and beer is cheap as chips!! I should've bought new ski goggles too as they were only 50-60 quid, whereas here they are 12-16000 yen. Thats over 100 quid...doh! Link to post Share on other sites
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