UK tourism 'to benefit from weak pound'

The low value of the pound against the euro could have a positive effect on UK tourism in 2009, according to the Tourism Alliance, meaning that ferry operators offering services within the UK could be in for a good year.

Sterling has slumped to a record low in value against the euro and a report in the Observer recently suggested that, when commission charges are taken into account, £1 now buys less than a single euro.

The Tourism Alliance, an organisation that supports businesses involved with tourism in the UK, said that the fall in value of the pound represents "an unparalleled opportunity" for British industries that rely on inbound travel.

Bob Cotton OBE, chairman of the Tourism Alliance, said: "The fall in the value of the pound represents a 21 per cent saving for people travelling to the UK from the eurozone and 27 per cent for those from the USA.

"This makes the UK the value destination for overseas visitors undertaking holidays during 2009 and means that a holiday at home is now the best option for British residents."

The Tourism Alliance, VisitBritain and Visit England are lobbying the government to develop an 'Explore Britain' campaign to boost domestic and overseas marketing in 2009.

British people planning to holiday at home next year can reach a number of popular destinations via ferry crossings, such as the P&O Ferries service from Liverpool to Dublin or the Stena Line link between Belfast and Stranraer.