The Post Office has revealed their fastest growing currencies list for UK travellers during the summer of 2012, which is a good indicator of the popularity of destinations. The respected high street holiday currency supplier which has over 11,500 stores unveiled their Top 10 list;
10. Bulgaria
9. Japan
8. Mauritius
7. Russia
6. Iceland
5. Mexico
4. Croatia
3. Hungary
2. Brazil
1. Vietnam
In fact currency sales for the number one destination on the list, Vietnam, have rocketed by 68% thanks to increased media and aware of Vietnam as a holiday destination. The country has also featured on mainstream British TV programmes such as BBC’s Top Gear Special where the team travelled 1,000 miles from Ho Chi Minh City to Halong City. It’s no great surprise to us as we reported the announcement of increased flights to Vietnam earlier this year and the investment in tourist infrastructure and new beach resorts.
Following the London 2012 Olympics it’s no surprise that Brazil is second on the list with Rio de Janeiro predicted to be hugely popular in the run up to the 2016 Olympics and Brazil will also host the 2014 FIFA World Cup. Brits benefit by receiving 25% more of the Brazilian real currency against sterling than a year ago.
With an eye on a bargain, it’s no wonder that destinations like Hungary, Croatia and Bulgaria have also fared well. We reported on the Cheapest Cities in Europe to visit in 2012 and the budget-savvy Brits have stretched their holiday spend to the max. Budapest in Hungary will also thrive into 2013 with the popularity of the Hungarian Christmas markets and with currency 20% stronger for Brits than last year, Hungary is a good budget eastern European destination.
This survey is also of great interest as a potential indicator of hot wintersun destinations going into 2013 such as Mexico and Mauritius.
Iceland is also a great destination for a wintersports adventure and of course to view the Northern Lights which are predicted to be spectacular this winter due to optimal conditions. Russia is also a good winter break with excellent skiing and wintersports on offer.
It’s also good to see that tourism to Japan is improving and I predict this will continue to grow in popularity, assisted by various tourism promotions into 2013.
Thanks to thePost Office® for the information.
