Weak pound influences Britons' travel plans

A poll by World Travel Market (www.wtmlondon.com) trade exhibition, which opened today in London, reveals the effect that the weak pound is having on Britons' travel plans.

Twenty-nine per cent of respondents who had taken holidays this year said that the value of the pound would influence where they holidayed next year while 27 per cent said they were undecided about the destination they would travel to at a time when the euro is stronger than the pound.

The figures suggest that holiday stalwarts Spain, Portugal and Greece may struggle to attract British holidaymakers next year should the pound remain weak against the euro.

Of the 1,300 prospective travellers polled, the value of sterling was the biggest issue for those aged between 25 and 40, an age group that includes young families. Younger travellers, in the 16-24 age group, were also influenced by exchange rates, but just a fifth of older travellers (60 years plus) said that exchange rates would influence where they holidayed.

Fiona Jeffrey, Managing Director of World Travel Market, quoted by the Daily Mail said: "The worsening exchange rate is a serious threat to the UK outbound travel industry.

"Many British holidamakers may find the in-resort costs - especially within the eurozone - far too high.

"On the flip side, it has the potential to give the UK (inbound) tourism industry a real boost as the UK becomes a cost-effective country to visit, especially for those countries within the eurozone."

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