Kiwi travellers Brexit winners
A midwinter escape to London has never been more accessible to Kiwi travellers, with Brexit adding to a ‘‘golden era’’ of travel to the United Kingdom and Europe.
The British pound plummeted to its lowest level in more than 30 years following Britain’s shock decision to leave the European Union, with the New Zealand dollar buying close to 53p – the best exchange rate in three years.
Combined with already competitive airfares, holidaymakers can expect more bang for their buck in the wake of Brexit, travel experts say.
Travel Money NZ nation leader Scott McCullough said the foreign currency exchange provider had seen ‘‘record numbers’’ buying up large quantities of pounds.
Those due to be travelling to the UK in the coming months might like to consider locking in the rate on a prepaid travel money card, he said.
Flight Centre NZ managing director David Coombes said over the weekend they had received many enquiries from customers wanting to travel to the UK and Europe, with airfares currently as low as $1499.
‘‘These are some of the most affordable ever and Kiwis are recognising that now is a great time to be travelling to this part of the world,’’ he said.
‘‘It’s hard to know how long this ‘golden era’ of travel will continue so my advice would be for Kiwis to make the most of these record low airfares and favourable exchange rates and travel as far and wide as possible while it’s so accessible and affordable.’’
House of Travel commercial director Brent Thomas said Kiwis with family back in Britain would be looking to take advantage of the favourable exchange rate and book their Christmas holidays.
‘‘When you combine the purchasing power of the kiwi dollar against the pound, along with the great pricing we’re seeing because of competition on airfares, it is a great time to be travelling up that way.’’