Tourism in Britain boosted as value of the pound plunges

Britain's top tourism chief, VisitBritain Executive Chairman Christopher Rodrigues, has reminded consumers around the world of Britain's new affordability.

Due to the low value of the pound, visitors' money now goes further and exchange rates have never been better for many international travellers. The economic downturn means great deals on flights, accommodation and attractions.

As Rodrigues says: "As anyone who has spent time with us will know, our destinations are undergoing radical change and Britain today can offer world-class service and quality, 'star-rated' accommodation for every budget. We are a globally attractive and popular destination with a range of enviable tourism assets, from stunning landscapes to vibrant, multicultural cities. Our rich history of tradition, heritage and culture lives beside modern design, music, theatre and architecture, as well as accommodation."

Visitor spending in the UK rose by four percent for the three months of September to November 2008, compared to the same period in 2007. In addition, reports from the July to September period shows that 87,000 visitors travelled from the UAE and spent £132m, according to an International Passenger Survey report.

"Britain is a key tourist destination, the sixth most visited country worldwide, and the fall of the sterling against the US dollar and the Euro provides a potential silver lining to the British tourism industry,"

said Carol Maddison, VisitBritain, Marketing Manager, UAE.

"VisitBritain views the plunge of the pound as an opportunity for the economy to benefit from increased visitor spending," added Maddison.