21 November 2008

Weak pound hits US shopping and ski trips

The credit crunch and weakening pound are taking their toll on British travellers to the US.

Flight search engine Skyscanner has reported a 15% drop off in UK-US flight search traffic over the last month, suggesting a downturn in transatlantic Christmas shopping and ski trips.

This comes despite an overall high level of flight search traffic on the site.

Barry Smith, Skyscanner co-founder and director of business development, said: ââ¬ÅâœWe know the Obama victory was a popular one, not just in the USA, but also around the world.

ââ¬ÅâœItââ¬â¢s likely that this will lead to increased interest for the USA in future, but right now, the stronger dollar means the US is about 25% more expensive than it was this time last year.

ââ¬ÅâœDespite the current economic gloom, traffic is still very strong, and thereââ¬â¢s every indication that people are continuing to make travel a top priority ââ¬' perhaps because we need holidays to look forward to more than ever.

ââ¬ÅâœBut itââ¬â¢s not surprising that weââ¬â¢re seeing a fall in UK-USA flight searches, and Brits seem to be shopping and skiing closer to home this year.ââ¬~

by Phil Davies 

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