Cost conscious travellers to skip eurozone in 2009
Friday, 02 Jan, 2009
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Non-eurozone countries such as Turkey, Egypt and Mexico will see a significant increase in British visitors in 2009, according to new research.
Cash strapped holidaymakers are favouring destinations that do not use the euro, the report by the Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO) and ABTA reveals.
Mexico, Egypt, Turkey, Israel, Dubai, Dominican Republic, St Lucia, Cuba, Aruba, Galapagos Islands, Iceland, Poland, Croatia, Australia, are all tipped as holiday hotspots.
This follows a 38% rise in the number of British travelers to Egypt in the last year, while Turkey showed a 32% increase.
But the FCO warned that people should be properly prepared for visiting these destinations by familiarising themselves with the laws and customs, checking FCO travel advice, taking out comprehensive travel insurance and taking necessary health precautions such as vaccinations.
With many tour operators cutting their capacity next year, the one in five people who are planning on getting a last minute bargain this summer may be disappointed as such deals could be limited, the research among 2,018 people suggests.
Not having enough spending money on holiday is a real concern for 41% of people who plan to go abroad in 2009.
Tour operators going bust concerns 35% of the population3 who plan to go abroad in 2009 – prompting the FCO to encourage Brits to ensure that their tour operator is ATOL registered.
More than 40% of those planning to go abroad in 2009 will reduce the number of holidays in the year ahead.
There is evidence of a significant reduction in annual insurance policies being taken out in winter 2009 compared with the year before.
The number of people going camping and caravanning has increased both in the UK and abroad and is expected to continue to rise in 2009.
People who don’t want to give up their holidays, but want to take a cheaper option, will certainly be considering visiting friends and family in 2009.
The poll sows that 13% of people are more likely to visit the US now Barack Obama has been elected (rising to 21% in the 18-34 age group).
With the historical significance of the election, lower fuel prices and the cost of living continuing to fall in the States, the strong dollar may not be enough to put British tourists off from visiting this country, he research shows.
Julian Braithwaite, Director of Consular Services at the FCO, said: “Many of the changes that we’ll see taking place across the travel industry over the next year will have a direct impact on the welfare of British holidaymakers.
“It is predicted that the proportion of Brits travelling to destinations outside Europe will increase. Different countries have different customs and laws, and what’s acceptable in Europe may not be acceptable elsewhere. If people don’t research their destinations before they go it could do more than spoil their holiday. What’s normal in resorts in Spain or Greece are not necessarily going to be acceptable in Turkey or Egypt. It is really important that Brits familiarise themselves with the local laws and customs before they go.”
Phil Davies
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