American Express reveals where Britons are spending most money
British holidaymakers spend more in Mexico, Hungary, Norway, Poland and Jamaica last year, according to the American Express Foreign Index which measures the popularity of currencies based on volumes purchased.
At the same time, British travellers took less cash to Australia, Canada and New Zealand.
Terry Perrin, director at American Express Foreign Exchange Services, said: "As expected, the euro and the US dollar continue to dominate the top positions of our Currency Index, along with the currencies of popular holiday hotspots Turkey and Egypt.
"However, a number of countries including Mexico in particular have seen impressive growth over the past few years. Just four years ago it was 16th in the American Express Currency Index. Its jump to fifth position highlights that it is an increasingly popular destination for British tourists."
The currencies of Australia, Canada and New Zealand all fell one place in this year’s index.
Hungary’s forint climbed three places to finish in 23rd place, Norway’s krona gained two positions, ending in 15th position. Poland, which co-hosted the 2012 UEFA Championships last summer, saw its currency, the zloty, rose following a 14% increase in UK visitors before and during the tournament.
In July and August, American Express saw a significant increase in the sale of Jamaican dollars bought by Britions, pushing the country into 17th place on the index. It finished the year at 21st position, three places higher than in 2011.
Linsey McNeill
Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk
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