Travel to US boosted as £1 breaks $2 barrier
Inbound travel to the US from Britain is expected to rise as the pound gained value to break through the psychological $2 barrier.
Sterling reached new highs against the dollar for the first time in 15 years yesterday (Tuesday).
Tour operators expect more UK travellers will head for US destinations such as Florida and New York.
Thomas Cook reported a “significant rush” in dollar demand from customers travelling to the US and Caribbean.
Bookings to North America have increased as people look to take advantage of the increased rates, according to the company.
Thomas Cook foreign exchange director Melanie Whitehouse said: “This is a major event in holiday money. The exchange rate hasn’t been this good since the early nineties – and it means real bargains for Britons.
“The US has always been a great-value destination, particularly for shopping, but the current rate means unprecedented bargains.
“It means people can buy more extravagant dinners in New York or take home more gifts and souvenirs – great news when you want to shop till you drop in Bloomingdales.
“The US dollar is also the main currency for most Caribbean islands, so we’re expecting to see a real boost in bookings there for this year thanks to the exchange rate.”
But at the same time the UK will be more expensive for American tourists.
by Phil Davies
Phil Davies
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