Pound’s gain means UK tourists set to spend less

UK holidaymakers will enjoy lower costs in two out of five popular destinations this year, according to a new study.

The fall is driven by the pound sterling’s year-onyear gains against 70 per cent of the top 40 holiday currencies. The pound has strengthened by 9.4 per cent against the US dollar and 17.3 per cent against the Turkish lira compared with January last year.

Long haul destinations offer the largest decrease in prices as the stronger pound combines with lowerchargesinshops,restaurants and bars, Post Office Travel Money said.

Prices have dropped 36 per cent in Dubai and 27 per cent in New Zealand. Japanese capital Tokyo was the second cheapest destination for UK tourists buying eight items such as a meal for two, sun cream and mineral water.