Long-haul holidays are on the increase according to a report from the Post Office. With currency fluctuations across the globe, the Post Office suggests that the pound has gained ground on many long-haul destinations whilst weakening against the Euro.
Holiday destinations such as South Africa, Hong Kong, Jamaica, Barbados, St. Lucia and the USA have strengthened, whilst the exchange rate with Dubai has remained constant. Sales of US dollars showed a 23% increase in March and 48% during Easter week. Similarly, 46% more UAE dirham’s and 27% more Hong Kong dollars were sold in March. Sales for the Euro sales were also up by 29% in Easter week.
Helen Warburton, Post Office head of travel said: “Looking forward, we believe that holidaymakers will look very carefully this year at how to get the best value for their money.”
“With the Open Skies agreement due to come into force in April, they should keep a close eye on transatlantic flight costs, where the market will become more competitive.”
However, city breaks in Prague, one of the more popular short-haul destinations for British tourists may be set to decrease according to Warburton. Sales of the Czech koruna have slumped by almost 11% over the past 12 months.
