Lower prices 'bring long-haul destinations within reach'

Long-haul holiday destinations such as the USA, Australia and South Africa are now more accessible than they have ever been thanks to consistent reductions in airfares, according to the Association of British Travel Agents.

Sean Tipton, a spokesman for the travel association, said the cost of flying has come down "drastically" in the last 40 years, meaning long-haul holidays are no longer the preserve of the affluent.

He went on to point out that America is the most popular long-haul destination of all for British travellers and described Florida, which sees around a million visitors from Britain every year, as "very affordable".

Mr Tipton added: "We are a very well-travelled nation, people are very well-travelled and we have been going abroad in large numbers [for] 40 years now.

"People like to try out new destinations and increasingly that means long-haul destinations out of Europe and further afield."

According to the latest holiday costs report from the Post Office, Thailand is the most affordable long-haul destination for Brits this year, followed by South Africa and Malaysia.

Posted by Paul, 02 February 2009 16:16

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