Strong pound influencing where UK tourists holiday abroad, survey suggests
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Version 0 of 1. UK tourists are flocking to overseas destinations where the pound is strong against the local currency, according to a survey. Based on currency sales, Brazil, Vietnam and Hungary are the most-popular spots for holidays, the survey from Post Office Travel Money revealed. Boosted by the football World Cup, sales of the Brazilian real increased by 215% in June-August 2014 compared with the same period last year. Sales of the Vietnamese dong were up 33% while the Hungarian forint rose 26%. Other countries where sales of the local currency soared this summer included Trinidad and Tobago (up 21%), Jamaica (19%), Croatia (up 13%), and the USA (up 12%). A spokesman for the Post Office's currency service said: "In a tough year for the travel industry, it may be no coincidence that destinations which made the biggest currency sales gains during the summer –among them Jamaica, the US and Hungary – have also seen a surge in sterling's value. "This suggests holidaymakers are becoming increasingly canny and doing their homework to see where exchange rates are favourable and living costs are low as well before booking." He added: "Looking ahead, sterling's continuing strength suggests that European short breaks could be popular this autumn – particularly to cities like Budapest with a reputation for value. "We also expect strong demand for great value south-east Asian destinations like Vietnam and Thailand." |