Non-euro destinations Turkey, Egypt and Mexico are tipped to be next year’s holiday hotspots.
The Foreign Office and ABTA 2009 Travel Trends Report says the three destinations will see a significant increase in British visitors in 2009 as bookings show holidaymakers are favouring destinations that do not use the euro because of the current poor exchange rate with the pound.
Based on figures from data analyst Ascent MI, the number of Brits going to Egypt has risen by 38% in the last year and visitors to Turkey have increased by 32%.
The report has revealed a list of hotspots for 2009, which are: Mexico, Egypt, Turkey, Israel, Dubai, Dominican Republic, St Lucia, Cuba, Aruba, Galapagos Islands, Iceland, Poland, Croatia and Australia. It says travellers are becoming more adventurous and travelling further afield to get better value for money on holiday.
But the Foreign Office is predicting a significant rise in the number of Brits getting in trouble abroad as Brits are less familiar with the laws and customs in the destinations. It has warned Brits to be properly prepared for visiting these holiday hotspots.
Director of consular services Julian Braithwaite said: “Different countries have different customs and laws and what’s acceptable in Europe may not be acceptable elsewhere. It is really important Brits familiarise themselves with the local laws and customs before they go.”