Brits 'showing interest in non-euro destinations'

The weakness of the pound against the euro is leading an increasing number of British travellers to consider long-haul destinations, according to M&S Money.

Currency statistics released by the company show that Turkey and Egypt are leading the way, with demand for the Turkish lira and Egyptian pound rising by 46 per cent and 20 per cent respectively in the first quarter of the year.

The weakness of Iceland's currency has created more interest in the country, with sales of the krona up by 32 per cent compared to the first three months of 2008.

More demand has also been registered for the currencies of Kenya, South Africa and Mexico.

James Yerkess of M&S Money said: "The falling value of the pound in the past year means that holidaymakers are looking around for resorts where they are getting more for their money.

"Brits still want to enjoy a holiday, but they are being more selective about where they go."

Recent research by M&S Money found that more than a third (36 per cent) of British travellers take a country's currency into account before selecting it as their holiday destination.

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