Weak pound boosts long-haul tourist trips

THE weak pound in Europe is tempting UK tourists to travel further afield, it was revealed today.

Bookings to places such as Dubai, Egypt and Thailand are booming, according to a holiday company survey.

Five-star resorts in long-haul destinations have been discounting heavily, bringing the far-flung holiday spots into range for more UK travellers, the survey said.

“This could be the year when a long-haul holiday can finally prove cheaper than a European trip,” said Hayes & Jarvis commercial director Niel Alobaidi.

The company said year-on-year bookings to Thailand were up 70%, with Barbados 40% up, Dubai 30% up and holidays to Egypt being discounted by 15%.